The Virginia Association of Children's Homes certification opportunity requires that applicants have at least six months full-time experience providing direct care services to residents. They must also have required topical training by or through local agencies in the following:

• CPR & First Aid
  
  
• Medication Training
  
  
• Restraint Training
  
  
• Training in handling blood-born pathogens
  
  
• Training in confidentiality
  
  
• Fire Drill Procedures/Requirements
  
  
• Identifying & Reporting abuse (CPS Complaints; legal obligations)
  
  
• Handling & Reporting Medical Emergencies
  
  
• Substance Abuse Awareness & Prevention
  
  
• Birth Control & STD Prevention

An applicant must complete 3 classes form the list below. Applicants who hold a degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or similar human service area will not be required to take the following three courses.

• Human Development (social & psychological development of persons, birth to age 18)
  
  
• Human Sexuality (issues and the dynamics of human sexuality, including developmental issues for teens; healthy and unhealthy expressions of sexuality)
  
  
• Abnormal Psychology (various conditions that one may encounter working with at-risk youth and common treatments used)
  
  
• Family Systems (explore the dynamic of family systems, dysfunctional families, birth order, and other issues that impact development and behavior)
  
  
• Behavior Modification (theory and practice of behavior modification)
  
  
• Counseling (theories and techniques for counseling)

An applicant may choose from 3 of the following electives.

• Diversity Training
  
  
• Sexual Harassment Training
  
  
• Crisis Response (natural disaster, act of violence)
  
  
• Independent Living Skills
  
  
• Nutrition
  
  
• Special Education
  
  
• Documentation
  
  
• Use of recreation as therap

The following have achieved VACH certification.

Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation

• Jason Watson
• Sherri Meeks

Hope Tree Family Services

• Susan Huddleston
• Jackie Irtoli-Ross
• Viney Holsey
• Rhiana McNeff
• Sherry Sandoval
• Jerald Neal
• Michael Hunter
• Thomas Huddleston
• Robert Morris
• Timothy Bodine
• Gregory Redd
• James Webb
• Robin Burroughs
• Adam Rollinger
• Valerie Evans
• Charles Thomas

Boys Home, Covington

• Amy Glazzard
• Carl Blacke
• Sandra Martin
• Mark Miller

Harvest Child Care Ministries

• Teresa Tilson
• Robin Neal
• Tabatha Webb
• Newl Dotson
• Kristie DCarter
• Leisa Gilley
• Martha Stone
• Angela Smith

Presbyterian Home of the Highlands

• Pamela Truesdale

For more information about VACH's certification program, please contact Newl Dotson at 276-523-2315.

 

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