Religions Unite, Offer Trauma Counseling

Two dozen religious organizations have agreed to join an innovative counseling program that will work in conjunction with local police, officials said Tuesday.

At an orientation session in Santa Ana City Hall, representatives of 25 organizations heard the details of the Pastors Network, which will offer counseling to victims of traumatic incidents.

Officials said they hope that by March 1, police officers will be handing out cards listing a 24-hour help line for people involved in incidents ranging from auto accidents to domestic abuse.

The help line will refer callers to representatives of religious organizations ranging from Jewish temples to the nondenominational Christian Victory Outreach. One of five current police chaplains will screen callers and gauge their needs, such as special language requirements.

Many police departments have chaplains who accompany officers on calls such as notifying families of homicide and plane crash victims. But officials say that the Pastor’s Network will take a broader approach to linking religious representatives with people involved in a wide range of incidents.