Simple & Secure Notice
First Responders identify students present at a scene and send a HWC Notice to the child’s school through the FREE OhioHWC Portal. Only the student’s name is shared with the school, no details about the event are included.
Ohio Handle With Care
A cross systems program bridging the gap between adverse childhood experiences and trauma-informed care.
Student is Handled With Care at School
All staff within participating districts are trained to provide students with trauma-informed care in order to support students’ resilience, regulation, and readiness to learn.
First Responder Visits
Participating First Responders are also invited to visit schools to allow all students opportunities for connection and resilience-building through frequent interactions with a variety of First Responders.
Statewide Support
Local (County/District) Coordinators oversee local implementation with FREE consultation, training, and resources provided by OhioHWC.
How does a HWC Notice work?
Participating First Responders identify children present at a scene and report their name to the child’s school building or district through the secure OhioHWC Notice Portal. No specific event details are ever shared.
A HWC Notice allows school staff to provide preventative, trauma-informed support; school staff handle the student with care!
OhioHWC aims to ensure students are handled with care throughout the school day(s) following an Adverse Childhood Experience - before/without being sent to the office. Notices are not limited to school administration; all Certified & Classified staff within participating districts are trained to support students using the OhioHWC model.
Key Points of School Staff Training
AWARENESS: HWC Notices indicate that a student has experienced an adverse event. Notices do not indicate criminal events. ACEs can happen to anyone!
OBSERVATION: NO QUESTIONS ASKED - the event does not determine the response.
CARE: Show care instead of consequence! Observe students for needs and opportunities for care throughout the school day.
RESPECT: Respect privacy by avoiding discussion of HWC Notices with students. Practice trauma-informed care strategies with 3-5 additional students to respect and protect privacy.
REFER: Observe the student for ongoing mental health needs and refer to services if needed.
Get Involved!
Connect with local leadership and learn more about program details by clicking your county on our Live Progress Map below. Is your county yellow, in the interested phase? Visit Steps to Implementation, FAQs, and view our Resources to learn more!
