Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton and Council members Milele Coggs and Khalif Rainey were joined by health officials Tuesday to announce the expansion of the Milwaukee Trauma Response Initiative into Milwaukee Police District 5.

The Trauma Response Initiative, a city-county partnership, provides support to children and families who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event, such as violence in their home or neighborhood. 

Through the Initiative, the City and County work as partners to support families who have experienced violence.

Milwaukee Police officers responding to calls related to violence can refer families to the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division's Wraparound Milwaukee services.

In summer 2015, the Initiative began as a pilot program serving children and families in Milwaukee Police District 7 and was fully implemented throughout 2016, receiving 240 referrals for services.