Virginia Victim Assistance Academy

Richmond, VA | July 27 – August 1, 2008 | Training Opportunities

DCJS is pleased to announce the launching of the very first Virginia Victim Assistance Academy. The Academy will provide a 45-hour comprehensive,academic, interdisciplinary and interactive training program. The curriculum will provide a foundation of victims services and principles to enable participants to more effectively help crime victims regain control of their lives.

The Curriculum will include presentations on: Crime Victim Assistance, Victimology, Cultural Competency, Assisting Clients with Dealing with Grief and Trauma, Victims' Rights, Interviewing Victims, Dealing with Special Populations, and Understanding the Criminal Justice System.

Appropriate Candidates: The Academy invites applications from victim services providers, allied professionals such as law enforcement officers, prosecutors, probation and parole officers, volunteers, victim advocates,sexual assault advocates, domestic violence advocates, and other victim service providers. The curriculum is designed for those with three or fewer years of experience. Successful applicants will be required to attend all sessions of the Academy and may be required to complete some work prior to the academy. Space is limited to thirty participants. Apply and/or encourage others to apply and be a part of a select group attending Virginia's first Victim Assistance Academy. Go to http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/trainingevents/victims/vvaApp for the student application or http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/trainingevents/victims/VVAapp/faculty.cfm for the faculty application.

Location: The five-day academy will be held in Richmond, Virginia. The Academy will utilize modern classroom facilities in a comfortable university setting. Lodging will be provided in on-campus private rooms.

Cost: Registration will be $500. On-campus lodging and all meals are included. Some scholarships are available.

Credit: DCJS in-service credit is being requested and should be available for law enforcement officers. CLE credit may be available. Successful completion of the Academy will make participants eligible for Provisional Advocate Credentialing through the National Advocate Credentialing Program.

Questions: Contact Patricia Foster, Academy Project Manager, at 804-371-8634, or visit the website at www.dcjs.virginia.gov for more information.

This announcement is also online at http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/victims/documents/VVAforweb.pdf.

This project is supported by Grant No. 2006-VF-GX-K026, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.