Introduction to the Victims Crisis Assistance and Response Team (VCART)
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is pleased to announce that registration for the Introduction to the Victims Crisis Assistance and Response Team (VCART) training is now open. Is your emergency plan updated and in compliance with Virginia law? Do you know what services and resources are available to your students, faculty, staff, and community following a criminal mass casualty event? Do you know how to access assistance after a traumatic event?
The DCJS VCART program assists victims following a criminal mass casualty event or critical incident. DCJS is codified to coordinate the victim response at schools and universities under Code of Virginia §22.1-279.8 and §23.1-804, and DCJS is required to be a part of all school safety audits and school crisis emergency response plans. The DCJS VCART program is an important resource for your community following a traumatic event.
The VCART training will cover the services and resources that are available following a criminal mass casualty or critical incident. The presenters will discuss how to incorporate VCART and promote victim-centered approaches into your emergency plans. The training will also discuss how to request a response, the differences between VCART and other resources available, and common stress reactions following a traumatic event.
Training Goals / Objectives:
- Participants will have a better understanding of the appropriate codes of Virginia and how VCART can fit into their crisis and emergency plans.
- Participants will understand the services provided by the VCART after a mass casualty event or critical incident.
- Participants will be able to identify trauma reactions and understand how survivors may react in the aftermath of a traumatic event.
- Participants will understand the importance of trauma informed and victim centered services.
Five sessions will be offered this fall (click on the date to register for that session):
October 6 – 10:00 am - 11:30 am
October 29 – 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
November 12 – 10:00 am - 11:30 am
November 23 – 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
December 8 – 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Please contact Dawn Bush at dawn.bush@dcjs.virginia.gov with any questions.