Training and Membership

The Florida Crisis Response Team (FCRT) prepares volunteer crisis responders to respond with skill and compassion in times of crisis. Our training follows the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) model, providing the foundation for joining our statewide network of trained crisis responders.

FCRT Training Graduating Group Hallandale 2018

Our training model

FCRT provides training based on the NOVA Crisis Response Team (CRT) model—a nationally recognized, trauma-informed framework for assisting individuals and communities in the aftermath of mass traumatic events.

The Basic Crisis Response Team (CRT) course is a 40-hour program that introduces the fundamentals of crisis intervention, stress management, and emotional stabilization. All FCRT responders must complete this training before being considered for deployment.

What the Basic CRT training covers

Participants learn to:

Understand the emotional and psychological effects of trauma.
Provide immediate, structured support to trauma survivors and caregivers.
Use group and individual crisis intervention techniques.

Collaborate effectively with local agencies and first responders to ensure seamless coordination and response.
Recognize signs of stress and compassion fatigue in responders.

Training is facilitated by NOVA-certified instructors who have completed Advanced CRT and Train-the-Trainer programs with real-world field experience.

Becoming a member

FCRT membership is open to individuals who complete the required training and wish to volunteer in crisis response across Florida.

To join:

1

Complete the 40-hour Basic CRT training.

2

Submit your membership application to FCRT.

3

Participate in regional meetings and continuing-education opportunities.

Stay current with training requirements and readiness standards to ensure optimal performance.

Who should apply

Membership is ideal for:

Mental-health professionals/Child Psychologists
First responders and emergency personnel
Educators and faith leaders
Victim advocates (State Attorney’s Office, Law Enforcement agencies, etc.)
Healthcare professionals
Anyone committed to supporting trauma recovery in their community

Ongoing development

Advanced CRT training is offered to FCRT members after they complete the Basic FCRT Training. This includes a variety of topics designed to reinforce basic training and enhance learning in specific areas. These trainings strengthen leadership within the statewide network and ensure every team member is prepared to respond effectively and compassionately when called.

FCRT encourages all members to pursue continuing education

Upcoming trainings

FCRT hosts Basic & Advanced CRT training and webinars throughout the year across Florida. Schedules, registration details, and location updates are shared below:

We are pleased to announce a winter webinar series. Our goal is to provide updates on the team, recent deployment reviews, new information, and advanced topics relevant to our organization and responses. All training is free of charge for our members. The webinars will take place for the next few months, so please mark your calendars for the following dates/times, topics, and presenters.

All trainings are listed in Eastern Time (EST/EDT). There is no need to pre-register; just use the link to log in on the day of the training.

Registration and participation in the webinar series are for existing FCRT team members who have completed the 40-hour basic training.

Presenter: Rachel Woofter, FDEM

https://fiu.zoom.us/j/82595102592?pwd=KcbQhwLwgHxNcAYIK2kNVrUJBAq1aT.1

Meeting ID: 825 9510 2592

Passcode: aqS5YH

Presenter: Harriette Rowe HillV

WS Director Office of the State Attorney,19th Judicial Circuit (Ret.)

https://fiu.zoom.us/j/86738167496?pwd=PZONDf12NISohEx7SgY24zbp6iLqVi.1

Meeting ID: 867 3816 7496

Passcode: SqDg1i

Presenter: Harriette Rowe-Hill