Handle with Care Program Launches in Ashtabula County to Support Students Affected by Trauma

Handle with Care Program Launches in Ashtabula County to Support Students Affected by Trauma-Ashtabula County schools and first responders are rolling out a new initiative designed to support children who have recently experienced traumatic events. The program, known as Handle with Care, aims to ensure that students receive understanding, flexibility, and appropriate support when trauma may be affecting their learning, behavior, or well-being.

Over the past several months, school personnel and first responders across the county have undergone training to prepare for the implementation of the program. The initiative is built around a simple but powerful idea: when police or other first responders identify a child at the scene of a traumatic incident, such as a car accident, house fire, domestic violence call, or drug-related situation, they notify the child’s school with a confidential message that reads only, “Handle [child’s name] with care.” No additional details are shared.

While not every child affected by trauma will require counseling, the alert provides school staff with insight into a student’s circumstances. This awareness can help educators interpret changes in behavior, such as incomplete homework, fatigue, or hunger, and respond with compassion rather than additional pressure. Support may include extra time for assignments, a quiet space to rest, or access to snacks or resources.

The program will begin a rolling launch on December 8th and will continue to expand as more schools and law enforcement complete training. The initiative has been coordinated by Cailin Rose and Alexandra DeGeorge of the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center, with support from the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.

“The plan is to have all schools and police departments trained by the end of the year. The next round of training will be for Fire and EMS,” Rose said.

Local officials hope that the Handle with Care program will strengthen the network of support around children and help build resilience through positive, informed relationships between students, educators, and first responders.

Pictured is Cailin Rose, School-Family Coordinator, Ashtabula County Educational Service Center, and Adam Simmons, APD Resource Officer for Happy Hearts/Building Bridges

12/12/25