Training Academy - VCCAA - Victim Chaplain & Counselor Association of America

Training Room VCCAA Training Academy

Basic Course

A Certified Victim Chaplain diploma will be issued to those qualified with previous training as a Chaplain, Pastor, or Critical Incident Responder, Crisis Response Professional. For all others wanting to become a Certified Victim Chaplain, this is the place to begin. VCCAA offers a 5-level curriculum that, upon completion, will qualify you as a Victim Chaplain. The curriculum for the Basic Victim Chaplain Certification Course is based on 16 clock hours conducted in 2-eight hour days. The curriculum is presented through the Victim Chaplain Training Academy International.

Basic Training includes:

Chaplaincy & Mental Health Connection
Victimology
Crime Scene Protocol
Crisis Intervention
VRM Overview
...and more!

The Basic Training tuition cost is $249 with discounts for early registration and membership (see application). The tuition does not include the cost of meals or accommodations. Included in the cost of the training is a nationally recognized certification for chaplains and clergy, a syllabus, and being able to learn from some of America's finest presenters in the field of Victim Assistance and Critical Incident Trauma. To register, print the registration form and mail along with a deposit check in the amount of $100 or full registration fee to VCCAA - 660 International Parkway, Suite 140 - Richardson, TX 75081. You may also fax your application with credit card payment to 972-234-9970.

Advanced Training

48-hour Victim Chaplain Certification Program

16-hour Basic Training
8-hour Advanced Level 1, "Crime & Domestic Violence Victim Aftercare"
8-hour Advanced Level 2, Dr. Norm Wright on "Impact of Loss & Trauma on Children and Teens", "Aftercare for Traumatized Adults" and "Aftercare of Suicide"
"Forgotten grievers - that's what children and teens are called. And loss begins in childhood. Most don't understand loss so they fail to grieve over their experiences. Children and teens experience trauma directly, but others vicariously through CNN. For many children and teens trauma is not Oklahoma City, Columbine, Wedgewood or New York, but it is simply going home at night."
8-hour Advanced Level 3, " Mental Health Response"
8-hour Advanced Level 4, "Disaster & Terrorism"

For scheduling send an e-mail to us at info@victimchaplains.org and we will give you the contact information.

The tuition for Advanced Training is $125 for each course with discounts for early registration and membership (see application). The tuition does not include the cost of meals or accommodations. Included in the cost of the training is a nationally recognized certification, a syllabus, and being able to learn from some of America's finest presenters in the field of Victim Assistance and Critical Incident Trauma. To register, contact VCCA - 660 International Parkway, Suite 140, Richardson, TX. 75081. You may also fax your application with credit card payment to 972-234-9970.

Basic Training Curriculum

The Concept and Background of Chaplaincy
Foundations in Faith Based Pastoral Counseling
Victimology 101
Crime Scene Protocol/Working With Domestic Violence
Gateways to Violence
School and Workplace Violence
Critical Incident Stress Management
Working With Accident Victims
Victim Reactions/Spiritual Issues in Tragedy
Constructive Reasons for Trial
Death Notification
Three Phases of the Victim Experience
What To Say and Not To Say to Victims
Going Behind The Yellow Ribbon
Types of Victims
Interaction With Police Officers
Victim Sensitivity
Listening On The Inner Level
Other Related Topics

Qualifications for Training Admission

A Victim Chaplain should be ecclesiastically certified in good standing with, and endorsed for Chaplaincy by a recognized religious body.
A Victim Chaplain should have a minimum of 3 years experience in ministry.
A Victim Chaplain must attend and be certified through the Victim Chaplains's 48-hour training academy as having completed the 5-levels of training.
A Victim Chaplain should be available when called to serve anyone, anytime, anywhere, for as long as it takes.
A Victim Chaplain should be willing to be screened by a local law enforcement Chaplaincy committee and/or other appointed authorities.
A Victim Chaplain should have a high degree of training and have a specialized interest in working with the unique needs of the victims of crime or disaster.
A Victim Chaplain should be available to serve on a 24-hour call basis, determined and governed by the police agency he/she serves.
A Victim Chaplain should manifest a broad base of experience and professional ministry, emotional stability and personal flexibility.
A Victim Chaplain should be tactful and considerate in approaching all people regardless of race, sex, creed or religion.
A Victim Chaplain should be willing to become involved in additional training programs that enhance one's efficiency in meeting and dealing with people in crisis and should be familiar with other community helping resources.
A Victim Chaplain must never have been convicted of a criminal offense or offenses involving moral turpitude and be willing to have a background check.