The Fort Worth Police Department is strengthening its commitment to protecting children through the expansion of its Handle with Care program, an initiative designed to provide extra support for students who witness or experience potentially traumatic incidents.
When officers respond to calls involving domestic violence, assaults, shootings, or similar events where children are present, they discreetly collect basic details such as the child’s name, age, and school. That information is then securely shared with ESC Region 11, which passes notifications to teachers and staff at the child’s school. Importantly, no specifics of the incident are disclosed—only that a student may need additional attention or support.
The program equips educators to recognize changes in behavior through a trauma-informed lens, rather than a punitive one, and helps connect children with resources to cope.
“Hurt people, hurt people. The experiences children are exposed to at home can carry over to the classroom,” said Fort Worth Police Commander Antione Williams. “This program helps break the cycle of recidivism. Children’s emotional well-being is reinforced, creating a harmonious learning environment where students can thrive.”
Launched as a pilot in 2022, Handle with Care expanded citywide during the 2023–2024 school year after data showed strong results. The program now operates year-round, with officers trained to submit notifications on every qualifying call. Records are purged from Region 11’s system within five days to protect student confidentiality.
By bridging communication between law enforcement and schools, Fort Worth police aim to mitigate the long-term impacts of trauma and foster safer, more supportive classrooms for children across the city.
