Police officers are frequently the first responders to situations that pose threats to the safety and well-being of children and families, and are therefore in an ideal position to both identify children at risk, and initiate the process of recovery for children and families traumatized by violence and other catastrophic events. When police are prepared (through training), equipped and supported (with the toolkit) to help children, families and communities recover and heal from traumatic violence, they are in a stronger position to protect and serve the community.
This toolkit provides practical tools and resources to assist law enforcement agencies in building or enhancing effective operational responses to children exposed to violence (with or without a mental health partner). Tools are targeted to police leaders and frontline officers.
