MPD, MUSD team up for trauma victims

The City of Maricopa Police Department, Victim Services Unit was awarded a grant through Ak-Chin’s State-Shared Revenue Program (Prop 202) in the amount of $16,910 in partnership with Maricopa Unified School District.  The grant will provide a high level of service from crisis intervention and support in the education system for victims of crime and children with adverse experiences in Maricopa.

The funding will be used to:

1. Increase on-scene response having Victim Advocates available on stand-by pay during the weekends. This is estimating 30 percent of victims served will receive services through on-scene response at the time of the incident.
2. Provide training to elementary school staff at Butterfield and Maricopa elementary schools on mindfulness and trauma informed classrooms through a professor at ASU School of Social Work.
3. Provide trauma sensitive classrooms through Calming Corners at Butterfield and Maricopa Elementary School.

Mary Witkoski, MPD’s Community Program manager, reflected the strong support the police department has provided in both assessing the needs of the district and applying for the funds. “This is a very effective partnership, and I’m glad we could help in securing this important grant.”

Krista Roden, MUSD’s director of Teaching and Learning, said, “The safety of our students is and will always be a top priority of the District.  We are excited to partner with MPD to respond to the evolving needs of our students.  The professional development will extend the reach of trauma informed practices to our most vulnerable students and expanding Calming Corners offers a safe space inside classrooms where students can regroup and process feelings of anxiety or other intense emotions that could disrupt their day.”