How to Get HWC started in my County

To ensure fidelity to the Handle with Care model within your county, there should be a 90 minute community stakeholder meeting. The Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention can assist you with putting the stakeholder list together and providing a sample invitation. Participants will include:

SCHOOLS

• The county school superintendent or designee
• The principal or vice-principal from every school in the county
• The nurse, counselor or attendance director from every school in the county

LAW ENFORCEMENT

• A representative from the State Police
• Sheriff or designee
• Police Chief or designee
• State’s Attorney’s Office representative
• Dispatch

MENTAL HEALTH

• Representatives from the local mental health provider(s)

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES

• The local Department of Social Services (DSS) office supervisor
• Representative from the Department of Human Services

OTHERS TO INCLUDE

• Circuit Court Judges
• Family Court Judges
• Emergency Management Services (EMS)
• Local civic organizations such as Lions and Kiwanis Clubs