FWPD expands program to support kids impacted by traumatic events

FWPD expands program to support kids impacted by traumatic events

Published on September 09, 2025

The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) is reinforcing its commitment to protecting and supporting children, the most vulnerable members of the community, through the enhanced Handle with Care program.

The initiative ensures that when children are present during potentially traumatic incidents - for example, domestic violence, assault, aggravated assault or shooting calls - school officials are discreetly notified. Officers will gather valuable information such as the child's name, age and the school they attend; however, details of the call are not provided to school officials.

These notifications are delivered to ESC Region 11, a service organization and intermediary educational agency, which then filters the information to teachers and staff. This heads-up notification allows adults to provide extra attention and support to the student exposed to trauma.

Students, at times, may exhibit a change in behavior due to untreated trauma. By empowering teachers and staff with the necessary notifications, they can utilize available resources to help the child cope. This program allows teachers and school resource officers to observe children through a trauma-informed lens instead of a punitive lens.

The department initially launched the pilot program in two divisions in February 2022. After gathering data from a six-month period that proved the program's success, it expanded citywide for the 2023-2024 school year. This is a year-round program, meaning officers make notifications on every call where children are present to potentially traumatic experiences.

"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."

FWPD Communications Division call takers now ask whether children are present when specific calls are received. If so, a "Handle with Care" notification is flagged for responding officers.

Officers enter a code specific to Handle with Care, advising the Communications Division that a notification has been made, before clearing the call. Then, they complete a short online form in the department's secure portal, including the child's name, age, school and case number. This confidential notification is then sent to the child's school (teachers/APs/staff/school resource officers), without disclosing details of the incident, allowing educators and counselors to quietly provide appropriate care and attention.

Region 11 purges student information after five days, meaning records related to a student notification are removed from its databases.

The Handle with Care program reflects a growing recognition that law enforcement plays a critical role in helping children cope with trauma, reducing the risk of long-term negative impacts on their health, behavior and education.

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