Victim Services seeks crisis support volunteers

Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services, a crisis response service, is seeking crisis support volunteers for the annual spring training being offered in April and May.

The program relies on a group of highly trained community volunteers who provide the front line, 24-hour on-call service to residents of, or those affected by, occurrences while in the Town of Caledon and the County of Dufferin. Approximately 60 crisis support volunteers work closely with police and other emergency services, providing shortterm emotional support, practical assistance, follow-up contact and dissemination of information to victims of crime, tragedy and disaster.

In 2006, volunteers responded to more than 600 calls for service following such occurrences that include, but are not limited to, domestic violence, sudden death, sexual assault, personal and family crisis, motor vehicle collisions, fatalities, industrial accidents and property crimes.

Potential volunteers are screened and interviewed. Twenty-five applicants will be selected and offered the opportunity to participate in agency training. The mandatory 40 hours of training takes place over a two-and-a-half-week period, during evening hours and one Saturday. Training topics include crisis intervention, domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, property crimes, effective communication skills, grief and bereavement, suicide and volunteer safety.

Those who successfully complete the agency's volunteer training sessions, share a compatible value base, display appropriate skills and qualifications are then offered a position on the volunteer schedule.

Potential applicants must be able to cope under duress in crisis situations and must demonstrate strong communication skills. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team is necessary. Adherence to privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance and must be respected.

"It take a special kind of individual to perform this work," said executive director Doreen Young. "We have been very fortunate at Victim Services to continually attract such dedicated, empathetic community volunteers. Our crisis support volunteers work on the front line, performing their community service work, professionally, quietly, confidentially and unobtrusively. Most residents don't know about the service, until faced with a tragedy."

Young, who assisted victims in Mississippi following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, shares her experiences and lessons learned while in the Gulf Coast, with new victim services volunteers each year.

Prospective volunteers must be at least 23 years of age, possess a valid driver's licence, maintain appropriate auto insurance and have access to a vehicle. Volunteers are required to consent to a release of information giving police the authority to obtain a clear criminal record check.

Interested applicants may read more about the local Caledon/Dufferin Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services (VCARS) site on line at www.cal-dufvictimservices. ca. Applications are available online. Applications are also at Victim Services offices and Caledon and Dufferin police services in Bolton, Orangeville and Shelburne.

Please note that applications must be completed and returned to the Bolton or Orangeville offices by March 27.