The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce that registration for the Introduction to the Victims Crisis Assistance and Response Team (VCART) Training is now open for all School Superintendents, Emergency Managers, K-12 and Campus Administration, and crisis teams. 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 VCART program assists victims following a criminal mass casualty event or critical incident. We are codified to coordinate the victim response at schools and campuses under Code of Virginia §22.1-279.8 and §23.1-804 and are required to be a part of all school safety audits and school crisis emergency response plans. We are an important resource for your locality following a traumatic event.
The VCART training will cover the services and resources that are available to you following a criminal mass casualty or critical incident. We 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.
· Participants will have a better understanding of the related Code of Virginia sections 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.
Please use this link to register for one of the trainings.
Please contact Dawn Bush at dawn.bush@dcjs.virginia.gov with any questions.
