OpenFieldChildren at Risk Training VOF
Children at Risk Training VOF in Heerde, Netherlands, is an internationally operating higher training institute providing accredited education in pediatric trauma recovery, child advocacy, and humanitarian protection systems.
Academic overview & excellence
Operating from its tranquil learning campus in Heerde (Gelderland), Children at Risk Training delivers specialized postsecondary and professional training in childhood trauma counseling, post-crisis rehabilitation, child protection policy, and family restoration. In cooperation with international universities and NGOs (such as University of the Nations and UNICEF partners), the institute conducts clinical field research across disaster and conflict zones worldwide.
Research admissions & criteria
Admission requires a completed secondary school education or bachelor's degree in psychology, education, nursing, or social work. Applicants must demonstrate emotional maturity, submit background clearance certificates, and complete an interview with the admissions committee. English language proficiency is required for international field courses.
Verified opportunities & funding programs (6)
Advanced Diploma in Pediatric Trauma Care and Crisis Intervention
Comprehensive nine-month professional diploma training field workers in neurobiology of childhood trauma, PTSD somatic interventions, and community resilience frameworks.
Global Child Advocacy and Protection Systems Fellowship
Post-graduate fellowship evaluating United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) enforcement mechanisms in refugee transit camps across Europe.
Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy for Traumatized Children
Three-month intensive module covering therapeutic play modalities, drawing diagnostic assessments, puppetry, and non-verbal grief processing for young children.
Field Research Grant in Refugee Youth Mental Health and Integration
Investigates secondary trauma among social workers, unaccompanied minor asylum seekers in Dutch reception centers, and community peer support models.
Practitioner Certificate in Anti-Child-Trafficking Intelligence and Reintegration
Four-month specialized certification on dark web child exploitation tracking, safe house security protocols, cross-border repatriation, and trauma-informed survivor care.
Community Child Safeguarding Leadership Award
Annual honor awarded to exceptional frontline advocates developing grassroots protective environments and family-strengthening programs.
Distinguished faculty & researchers (3)
Drs. Marianne van der Heijden
Academic Director and Senior Specialist in Pediatric Trauma Recovery · Department of Child Psychology & Clinical Training
Drs. Marianne van der Heijden directs training programs at the institute, specializing in somatic interventions for severely abused and traumatized children in conflict zones.
Dr. Willem de Jong
Head of International Child Protection Policy and Field Studies · Policy & Human Rights Division
Dr. Willem de Jong consults with European governments and humanitarian agencies on unaccompanied child refugee integration, child trafficking interception, and foster care systems.
Saskia Blom, M.Ed.
Coordinator of Creative Therapies and Early Intervention Pedagogy · Expressive Arts & Somatic Counseling Unit
Saskia Blom trains international clinicians in play-based diagnostic models, therapeutic storytelling, and art therapy for non-verbal trauma processing in young children.
Editorial & verification standards
Institution profile and program records reflect official documentation verified on 2026-10-15. OpenField is an independent student academic resource and is not formally affiliated with Children at Risk Training VOF.