Dear Friends,
For many, back to school has an annual ritual and is treated with the status of a national holiday. Kids and parents alike prepare weeks in advance and mark the actual day with photographs, special outfits and even a celebratory meal or two. In my house it’s always been about getting new notebooks, folders, and pencil cases, clearing out workspaces, cleaning lunch bags and backpacks, finding that one outfit, and meticulously coordinating all calendars so as not to miss a game, practice, or meeting. Whichever way you choose to celebrate the return to homework, sports
and routine, I remind you that it is critical we keep our kids safe as they head back to school.
At BCAC, we are very proud that this Fall, the Protecting Children from the Failure to Report law signed by Governor Hogan earlier this year goes into effect. BCAC, along with Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary of Howard County and Senator Susan Lee of Montgomery County, was instrumental in pushing this protection into law. What does this mean for you and your student? Finally, Maryland catches up to 48 other states that hold teachers, youth workers and health personnel who interact with children accountable to report abuse. The purpose of this provision is to close a final gap in Maryland and provide penalties for those few—but dangerous—professionals who turn a blind eye to known child abuse.
Another Fall initiative making BCAC proud is our role in the statewide Handle with Care movement. BCAC will Coordinate Handle with Care efforts for Baltimore City, piloting it in Northwest Baltimore beginning this Fall. Handle with Care ensures that children who have experienced trauma are recognized and supported. Baltimore City Police and other community resources will identify children who have experienced a trauma—any significant trauma—and will relay that child's name, age, and school to BCAC's Handle with Care Coordinator. The Coordinator will then make a confidential notification to the child's school to "handle that child with care." What this really means is that if a child is exhibiting behavioral problems, emotional outbursts, or any other trauma-related behavior; rather than a punitive response, a trauma-informed response will be
provided by the school, and more children will feel seen, heard, and supported.
As your child advocacy center, BCAC is proud to play a significant role in keeping Baltimore’s children safe and responding to abusive and traumatic situations, whether at school or at home. I wish everyone a successful, productive and safe school year!