The Juvenile Crime Reduction Committee consists of representatives from schools, law enforcement, juvenile office, social workers, state agencies, mental health and substance abuse, parents, and businesses. The committee supports strategies to reduce juvenile crime in Butler County such as Town Hall Meetings, Permanent Rx DropBox, Boys and Girls Club of the Heartland, Mark Twain Alternative School, Truancy Court, and the Handle With Care Program.
Chairperson, Jeff Rolland
Something We Agree On Campaign
The Community Resource Council and Juvenile Crime Reduction Committee has partnered with the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund to promote their Something We Agree On Campaign. This is an online resource with the goal of preventing child abuse by providing parents and caregivers with tips and information on how to protect your children from abuse. Visit the website www.somethingweagreeon.org to learn more.
Something We Agree On Art Contest
Students in Grades 1-6 in Butler County were invited to participate in an Art Contest and draw a Self-Portrait.
Handle With Care Program
Goal
The goal of the Handle With Care Program is to protect children in our community by connecting first responders, school districts, and local mental health professionals.
How does it Work?
When a young person has an encounter with first responders, the situation sometimes has the potential to be a traumatic event in the child’s life. Anytime there is a child present during a situation requiring First Responders, the First Responders can ask the child for their name and school. The First Responders can then send the name to the Handle With Care Email Address. The Prevention Department at the Community Resource Council alerts the school that the youth has had an encounter with a First Responder and the message “HANDLE WITH CARE”. Next, the school counselor meets with the child to determine if the child may require extra support from a Mental Health Professional. If needed, FCC Behavioral Health will work with the school to provide support for the child as they process the event that required a First Responder.
The Community Resource Council partners with several community organizations to make this program possible.
Poplar Bluff School District
Neelyville School District
Twin Rivers School District
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Poplar Bluff Police Department
FCC Behavioral Health
Poplar Bluff Fire Department