The inaugural Pediatric Chaplains Institute (PCI), a specialized training and education event for pediatric chaplaincy, was held October 14–19, 2007, at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Attending the PCI was a full class of 12 pediatric chaplains from around the country (Birmingham, AL; Orlando, FL; Denver, CO; Fort Worth, TX; Austin, TX; Salt Lake City, UT; Syracuse, NY; Omaha, NE; Memphis, TN; and Little Rock).

Countless positive comments were received as feedback, following the event. Vanessa Owens of The Children’s Hospital, Denver, CO stated, "The experience was wonderful. I have learned essential skills, important in developing and enacting my pastoral care. The faculty was outstanding and their level of knowledge and skill far exceeded my expectations." Michael Hatcher of Cook Children’s Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX enthusuastically said, "…the simulation training at the PULSE Center was one of the most awesome things I have experienced in my life. The real job scenarios taught me some great principles to apply on my job." And, Walter Spears, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN exclaimed, "This was unequivocally, the best professional development event I have ever attended."

The primary goal of the PCI is to equip chaplains with important resources that will enhance their clinical skills and enable them to provide quality spiritual care to children and their families in a hospital or other health care setting. To help chaplains meet the unique needs of children and their families in such settings, PCI training addresses age-specific competencies, spiritual needs and assessment, end-of-life issues including bereavement support, and much more.

The Wilbert Foundation is glad and thankful to help further much needed resources for children and their families during the most critical of times.

For more information visit the Pediatric Chaplains Institute or the Pediatric Chaplains Network websites.