City Launches Handle with Care Program
July 27, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2026
City of Lawrence Launches "Handle with Care" Program to Support Children Exposed to Trauma
Lawrence, IN – Mayor Deb Whitfield today announced the Handle with Care program. This is a unique partnership between the Lawrence Police Department, the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, and the Indiana Department of Health to implement the Handle with Care program. The program will start at the beginning of the school year on August 6th. “With the school year fast approaching, this initiative is designed to support children who have been exposed to potentially traumatic events by providing schools with a simple notification that allows educators to offer additional care and support during the school day,” said Whitfield.
What is Handle with Care?
Police officers frequently respond to incidents where children are present or exposed to traumatic events, including domestic violence, serious crashes, overdoses, suicides, violent crimes, and other critical incidents. Even when a child is not physically injured, these experiences can have a significant impact on emotional well-being, behavior, and the ability to learn. The Handle with Care program provides a way for law enforcement to notify a child's school that the student may need additional support without disclosing any confidential information about the incident.
How It Works
When an officer responds to an incident involving a child who has been exposed to a potentially traumatic event, the officer may submit a Handle with Care notification by:
• Determining the child's name and age.
• Scanning the Handle with Care QR code on the department-issued reference card.
• Completing and submitting the brief electronic reporting form.
Only the words 'Handle with Care' are communicated to the school. No details about the incident or investigation are shared, ensuring the family's privacy is protected.
Designated school personnel then notify teachers and appropriate support staff so they can monitor the student, provide additional support if needed, and connect the child with school counselors or other resources when appropriate.
The reporting form is intentionally brief—just four lines—and takes less than one minute to complete. The goal is to make the process as simple and efficient as possible while providing schools with the opportunity to support children experiencing the effects of trauma.
Officer Discretion
Use of the Handle with Care program is at the officer's discretion. Officers are encouraged to utilize the program whenever appropriate while relying on their training and professional judgment to determine when a notification is warranted. Every incident is unique, and officers are trusted to make the best decision based on the circumstances they encounter.
Why This Matters
Law enforcement officers often see people on the worst days of their lives. While officers' immediate responsibility is addressing the incident, they also have an opportunity to positively impact a child's future. Sometimes the smallest actions can have the greatest impact. Simple notification allows educators to provide patience, understanding, and support that can make a meaningful difference in a child's life during a difficult time.
Chief's Statement
Chief Bigsbee added, "As police officers, we routinely respond to situations that are traumatic not only for the adults involved but also for the children who witness them. Handle with Care gives our officers another tool to help children beyond the immediate crisis. By simply notifying a school that a child may need additional support, we can help connect them with caring adults who are in a position to make a lasting difference."
Media Contact:
Denise Herd, Herd Strategies
317-796-0514
denise@herdstrategies.com
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About the City of Lawrence, Indiana
Located northeast of Indianapolis, the City of Lawrence is Indiana’s 20th largest city and home to approximately 50,000 residents. While its military base was decommissioned in 1996, Lawrence has grown into a vibrant community that blends rich history with modern amenities. Under the leadership of Mayor Deb Whitfield, the city continues to thrive as a welcoming place to live, work, and play. Learn more at cityoflawrence.org.
