Press Release:
The Bledsoe County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce its partnership with Bledsoe County Schools in the official launch of the Handle with Care Program, an initiative designed to help ensure that children who experience or witness a traumatic event receive appropriate support when they arrive at school.
The statewide Handle with Care program is being coordinated through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Dangerous Drugs Taskforce. Technical assistance, training, and program support is provided at no cost to the county.
Through this partnership, law enforcement officers can notify designated school personnel when a child has been involved in or exposed to a traumatic incident such as a domestic disturbance, serious accident, or any other emergency situation. They will not incident details to schools, just three words: “Handle With Care.”
The goal of the Handle with Care Program is simple: if a child experiences trauma in the community, school personnel can be prepared to respond with care, compassion, and appropriate support.
“Our partnership with Bledsoe County Schools allows us to work together to make sure our children are supported when they need it most. Handle with Care is another way our community can come together to protect and care for our children,” said Bledsoe County Sheriff Jimmy Morris.
Bledsoe County Schools will work with school administrators, counselors, and other appropriate personnel to respond to Handle with Care notifications while maintaining the privacy and dignity of the students and families involved.
The Handle with Care Program reflects the shared commitment of the Bledsoe County Sheriff’s Office and Bledsoe County Schools to the safety, well-being, and success of every child in Bledsoe County. (Photo courtesy BCSO)
