State Tools, Templates & Examples

The resources below feature state-developed materials that illustrate effective practices in crisis response, agency coordination, grant reporting, and public outreach. These examples are intended to support peer learning and offer practical tools that can be adapted to your state’s needs. While every state’s approach is unique, these materials offer a strong foundation for refining your own mass violence response frameworks. States are encouraged to use these resources for inspiration, adapt them to local contexts, inform internal planning, and strengthen collaborative response systems.

• Colorado Mass Violence Toolkit Resources
• Fairmount Park, Pennsylvania MVI Compensation Resource
• Virginia Victims Crisis Assistance and Response Team (VCART)
  • The Virginia SAA coordinates the Crisis Response Team in the event of a state-level response after a mass-casualty criminal event. VCART is a coordination of victim advocate response that provides crisis intervention services. Virginia has codified responsibilities for local response, an Agency Support Plan for planning and program guidance for implementation, and information materials on VCART services:
  • Virginia VCART Information Flyer
  • Virginia Crisis Response Team Services Overview
  • Virginia has also shared their Reporting Template for AEAP Subrecipients and the corresponding PowerPoint on Federal Reporting Requirements and Data Collection.

Toolkits, Checklists, and Tip Sheets

A Guide for Agencies that Respond to Mass Violence Incident

This document provides recommendations for professionals who support victims of mass violence. While some guidance applies broadly to all victim service providers, other sections offer targeted tips for specific groups, such as victim compensation staff, court-based advocates, and community-based advocates.

ICP-TTA Emergency Operations Annex Planning Document Focused on Victim Care

Annexes to an Emergency Operations Plan detail responsibilities, tasks, and operational actions that are needed to respond to specific incidents. This template document is to be used by communities to plan for victim response and incorporate that response into the state and local emergency operations plans.

Mass Shooting Playbook & Protocol

For leaders, these resources offer actionable strategies to prepare for, respond to, and support community recovery after mass shootings and other incidents of mass violence, incorporating best practices drawn from recent tragedies such as those in Highland Park, IL, and Nashville, TN.

NAAG Mass Violence Response Checklist

The National Association of Attorneys General developed this living document as a resource guide specifically designed for state and territory attorney general offices
to develop policies and procedures in the event of a mass violence incident.

NMVC and  ICP TTA Statewide Preparation and Planning Resources

Planning for MVI readiness and response requires collaboration with a broad network of partners including state and local agencies, statewide associations, and federal and national organizations. These statewide resources help identify the core partners essential to effective mass violence incident (MVI) preparedness and response.

Office of Victims of Crime, Partnership and Planning

Well-established partnerships are essential for effective response and recovery. They provide guidance for developing and sustaining collaborations that help communities address unforeseen challenges, while supporting the planning process by identifying roles and responsibilities, assessing existing resources, and establishing shared goals.

OVC TTAC Recovery Checklist

The recovery phase focuses on helping victims, first responders, and the broader community regain stability after an incident. Agencies implement protocols such as victim support within the criminal justice system, community resiliency efforts, volunteer and donation management, and emergency funding assistance. A comprehensive initial needs assessment is essential to determine the event’s impact and inform local, state, and federal funding requests. This assessment should be regularly updated to monitor ongoing, emerging, and unanticipated community needs. Download and tailor this checklist to meet your communities needs.

OVC TTAC Response Checklist

During the response phase, immediately following an incident, law enforcement, first responders, victim service providers, and other partners activate the protocols established during planning. These include incident command, communications, family assistance, victim identification and notification, volunteer and donation management, and related coordination. Primary agencies must carry out these activities simultaneously in a highly chaotic environment, requiring close collaboration. Download and tailor this checklist to meet your communities needs.

Responding to a Mass Violence Incident: Victim Assistance Agency/Organization “Go Kit” 

Advance preparation is essential to quickly establish an initial response center, a Family Assistance Center, and provide immediate and short-term support to MVI victims, survivors, and witnesses. The recommended agency/organization “Go Kit” is informed by the real-world experiences of leaders who have responded to past MVIs and should be adjusted based on the type, scope, and location of the incident.

The Role of Police Executives in Assisting Victims of Mass Violence: Lessons from the Field

Developed by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center (NMVVRC), this resource shares lessons from police executives who have responded to mass violence incidents. In the immediate aftermath, leaders must balance tactical response with supporting survivors, families of those killed, and the broader community. Key elements include prompt, compassionate family assistance, clear public communication, and coordination with other agencies to meet the needs of all affected.

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit | A Blueprint for Vicarious Trauma Informed organizations

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit (VTT) is a practical, step-by-step guide designed to help organizations in victim services, EMS, fire, law enforcement, and related fields become more vicarious trauma-informed. It provides tools and resources to develop policies, practices, and supports that enable staff to recognize, address, and reduce trauma-related stress.

Tip Sheets for Interview Preparation and Protecting Autonomy with the News Media

In the aftermath of Mass Violence Incidents: Crime Victims & the News Media

Media Guidelines for Homicide Family Survivors

News Media Engagement: Victim Autonomy & Choice

Preparing for News Media Interviews 

• Additional Tips to Prepare for Media Interviews

Tips for Crime Victims & Survivors: Guidelines for Media Interviews

Training

NOVA CRT| Crisis Response Team Training Programs

NOVA provides skill-based, survivor-centered training that supports victim advocates, crisis responders, and allied professionals. Through evidence-based practices and public policy initiatives, NOVA advances compassionate and effective victim assistance while promoting the highest standards of ethical practice and professional competence. Their programs empower survivors, advocates, responders, and policymakers with the tools and resources needed to strengthen victim advocacy, uphold victims’ rights, and support communities in the aftermath of crisis.

Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online

This 5-hour interactive course puts the participant in the role of a provider in a post-disaster scene. This training is for individuals new to disaster response who want to learn the core goals of PFA, as well as for seasoned practitioners who want a review. PFA online also offers a Learning Community where participants can share about experiences using PFA in the field, receive guidance during times of disaster, and obtain additional resources and training

Voices Center for Resilience and Preparedness

VOICES Preparedness Training, A Victim-Centered Approach, is an educational and training program designed to help communities prepare for and respond to tragedies that impact not only individuals but entire communities, and, at times, the world. This framework guides community stakeholders in developing effective strategies for both immediate response and long-term recovery. In response to the rise in mass violence, VOICES also created an eBook to support stakeholders in initiating comprehensive preparedness plans that address short-term needs and promote sustained community healing.