(SAVANNAH, GA) The Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition (CGIC) and Resilient Coastal Georgia hosted the Handle With Care Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at the Coastal Georgia Center in Savannah to honor first responders from the Savannah Police Department, Chatham Fire and Police departments, Garden City Police Department, Pooler Fire Department, Port Wentworth Police Department, and Chatham EMS, for their commitment to helping children exposed to trauma.
The Handle With Care program connects first responders, schools, and community organizations to ensure children who experience traumatic events receive compassion and support instead of punishment or stigma. When a responding officer, firefighter, or paramedic encounters a child at the scene of a traumatic event, they submit a confidential report to the school system with the message “Handle With Care.” Educators then provide additional understanding and flexibility without disclosing details of the incident.
The program was piloted in Chatham County in April 2021. Since data collections began in January 2022, over 670 children have received referrals from first responders, helping students receive appropriate attention and support. The program has been shown to reduce suspensions, lower absenteeism, and create safer learning environments where children can thrive.
“As a community, we all have a role to play in ensuring that our children feel safe, supported, and valued,” said Kim Clifton, executive director of the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition. “These first responders are helping to change the way our community responds to trauma by turning a moment of crisis into a pathway for healing.”
Chief Robert Gavin, representing the collaboration between local law enforcement and the school system, praised the partnership that makes this program effective. “When our officers take the time to file a Handle With Care report, it’s a simple act that can change the trajectory of a child’s life,” he said. “Instead of viewing a child’s behavior as defiance, teachers can recognize it as a signal that something deeper is going on. This handoff helps ensure the student gets the services and understanding they need.”
“When we know a student has experienced something difficult, we can engage them in a more meaningful way,” Dr. Miller-Fields said. “With the right support and resources, they can stay on their learning path and continue becoming the people they were meant to become.”
The Handle With Care model, now active in more than 50 counties across Georgia, is part of a growing movement to address childhood trauma at a statewide level. Advocates hope to see sustainable state funding established to support expansion of the initiative.
“I want to applaud you for the work you do,” said Lizann Roberts, a founding partner of Resilient Coastal Georgia. “We continue to expand this movement throughout Georgia to ensure that every child who experiences trauma has the support needed to heal. Handle With Care reminds us that if in doubt, fill it out—because that one report might make all the difference.”
The ceremony recognized the outstanding commitment of local agencies including the Chatham County Police Department, Savannah Fire Department, and Pooler Police Department. Visuals included first responders being honored, awards presentations, and remarks from community leaders.
“Handle With Care is changing the way schools respond to trauma,” Clifton said. “It helps shift the mindset from discipline to compassion, reminding us that sometimes the child who acts out or falls asleep in class isn’t misbehaving, they’re hurting. And thanks to this program, nobody has to face that alone.”
The event was sponsored by Resilient Coastal Georgia and community partners, with participation from law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency personnel across Chatham County.
ABOUT COASTAL GEORGIA INDICATORS COALITION
Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition (CGIC) is composed of community members and advocates working together through a comprehensive coordinated approach for planning accountability to address overall health and well-being while leveraging resource initiatives. Also serving as the Chatham Family Connection Collaborative, CGIC is the local arm of the only statewide network in the country dedicated to the health and well-being of families and communities. The purpose of the Coalition is to improve community well-being by engaging and leading the community to work collectively in its development of strategic priorities that guide policy, programs and resource allocation. CGIC is the responsible organization for the development, and with partners, the implementation of the Chatham Community Blueprint. CGIC has strength and capacity related to leadership, management, systems and partnerships. https://coastalgaindicators.org/
CONTACT:
Kim Clifton, Executive Director
Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition
Email: kim@coastalgaindicators.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com