How to Get HWC started in my County

The first step to bringing Handle With Care to your county is to have a 90 minute community stakeholder meeting. The WV Center for Children's Justice can assist you with putting the stakeholder list together and providing a sample letter of invite. Participants will include:

Schools

  • The County School Superintendent or designee
  • The principal or vice-principal from every school in your county
  • The nurse, counselor or attendance director from every school in your county

Law Enforcement

  • A representative from the State Police
  • The Sheriff or designee
  • A representative from all the municipalities
  • Prosecuting Attorney
  • A representative from probation
  • Dispatch (911)

Mental Health

  • Representatives from the local mental health provider

Child Protective Services

  • The CPS supervisor and/or CSM

Child Care Services

  • Head Start
  • Before and After School Programs
  • Child Care Agencies (administrators, program directors)

Others to Include

  • Circuit Court Judges, Family Court Judges and Magistrates
  • Emergency Management Services (EMS)
  • Family Resource Network
  • Local civic organizations such as Lions and Kiwanis Clubs
  • News organizations
Implementation Guide

Implementation Guide

Thank you for your interest in the Handle With Care (HWC) program. The National Children's Advocacy Center (NCAC) is excited to be part of the implementation of this trauma-informed program in our state. The goals of HWC and NCAC are to protect the children in our community.