Training is underway for a new pilot program with the School District of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Police Department, to help students who experience trauma outside of school.With a $1 million grant issued by the Bureau of Justice Assistance through the Office of Justice Programs, "Handle with Care" will involve training for 300 law enforcement and 100 school personnel, starting with the 22nd District and 15 schools in North Philadelphia.
Jayme Banks, Deputy Chief of Prevention, Trauma and Intervention with the district, says the work will happen in and outside of school."If they should witness some sort of incident, the school will be informed and then the school gets to wrap around that child, it says handle that child with care today," she said.The announcement comes after at least 11 students were shot this month alone, but Commissioner Kevin Bethel says the conversation started years ago.