# Philadelphia Schools and Police Expand Trauma Support Program

> Philadelphia schools and police launch expanded trauma support for students exposed to violence.
- Title: Philadelphia Schools and Police Expand Trauma Support Program
- Summary: Philadelphia schools and police launch expanded trauma support for students exposed to violence. Philadelphia's school district and police department…
- Keywords: school district of philadelphia, philadelphia police department, handle with care, trauma support, students, mental health, classroom support, counselors, referrals, violence exposure, news, local
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/school-district-philadelphia-students-trauma
- Published: 2026-09-29T09:01:00.813+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: school district of philadelphia, philadelphia police department, handle with care, trauma support, students, mental health, classroom support, counselors, referrals, violence exposure, news, local
## Program Launch
Philadelphia School District and Police Department announce district-wide expansion of Handle With Care program starting Monday, Oct. 5.
## Program Purpose
Handle With Care helps students exposed to trauma outside school by providing classroom support and counseling referrals.
## How It Works
Police notify school officials after traumatic incident with child, including name, school, and need for extra help or leniency.
## Staff Response
Trained staff observe student, provide classroom support, and direct to counselors if needed.
## Police Commissioner Statement
Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel says the program builds a bridge between law enforcement and educators to respond with understanding and care.
## Training Scale
Around 3,000 police officers and 15,000 school staff received Handle With Care training over summer.
## Pilot Program
Handle With Care began as a pilot at 15 schools in 22nd Police District during 2025-2026 school year.
## Pilot Results
73 students received check-ins from counselors and classroom support during pilot program.
## Mental Health Context
At least 67,000 Philadelphia children experience mental, emotional or behavioral health disorders with less than half receiving treatment.
## Superintendent Statement
Superintendent Tony Watlington says timely program helps students stay on track in classroom despite outside challenges.
## Key takeaway

Philadelphia's school district and police department expanded a trauma support program to help students affected by violence outside school.