CHATHAM, ILL, (WAND) - There is often a separation between what happens at school and what happens at home. According to Ball-Chatham School District Superintendent Becca Lamon, this can lead to teachers being unaware when something bad happens to a student outside of school.Â
The district has partnered with the Chatham Police Department to launch a Handle with Care program. This means when police respond to any call that involves a child or teen, they will send their principal a message that simply says "handle with care," along with the student's name.Â
"We know then to get prepared the next day to be able to receive that student, and make sure that they're okay," Lamon said. "So we have counselors, social workers, psychologists and staff who would be able to be available to meet the mental health needs of that student."Â
She also said they could provide students with a change of clothes, an extra meal, a break from classes, or other similar assistance. The goal is for teachers to be able to lead with compassion and not discipline kids without contextual knowledge.Â
David Leach, an officer with the Chatham Police Department, says the program helps students get wraparound support. He hopes that in the long run, it will reduce the impact of difficult situations.Â
"We know the effects of trauma on the brain, and we are still learning about them," Leach said. "So if something bad happens at home, we want the school to know as much as we're legally able to share with them so they can care for them and protect them."Â
Handle with Care has been used at districts across the country. Leach said if the program goes well, he hopes to see other districts in Central Illinois use it as well.Â
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