Westmoreland County is launching a pilot program aimed at helping children cope with trauma.
In a news release, the DA's office says the program will be called "Handle with Care" and it will be implemented in the New Kensington-Arnold School District.
This comes less than a year after a 9-year-old New Kensington boy, Azuree Charles, was killed. His parents are both facing criminal charges in this death.
District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli says the goal of the new program is to prevent tragedies by improving communication between police, school officials, and counselors.
Police officers will send referrals to the school to alert them whenever a student has been exposed to a traumatic event.
The program actually began in October and officers have said 45 kids have already received direct referrals through the program.
