Colorado Victim Assistance Academy

July 20-24, 2009 FULL!
Greeley, Colorado

 What is the Colorado Victim Assistance Academy?
The Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) has received a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) in Washington, D.C. to establish the Colorado Victim Assistance Academy (CVAA). The CVAA will be modeled on the curriculum established by OVC for use in the National Victim Assistance Academy.

The purpose of the Academy is to provide basic victim advocacy training to people working with victims of crime. The curriculum embraces the entire scope of victim services, and has been enhanced to address unique and specific issues in Colorado. 

 Where will CVAA be Held?
July 20-24, 2009, Aims Community College, Greeley, CO - Sleeping Rooms at the Days Inn, 5630 W. 10th Street, Greeley. Reservations can be made by calling 970-392-1530.  In order to get the room rate of $78 per night, reservations must be made before June 19th.  Participants are responsible for their own reservations and payment.  Please mention COVA when making your reservations.

 What will it Cost?
The registration fee for CVAA is $350. This includes the self-study curriculum, all written materials for classroom modules, continental breakfasts, afternoon snacks, one luncheon, group prizes, and completion certificate. Participants will pay for their own lodging, food, and travel expenses. SOME PARTIAL ($100) SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE.  A $100 deposit is due by February 23, 2009, with the completed admissions application. The balance is due April 13, 2009.

*Refund/Cancellation Policy:  Refunds, less a $50 handling fee, are available if a cancellation notice is received in writing by May 13, 2009. 

There is funding available from the Office for Victims of Crime, to assist with Continuing Education for Advocates, called the Professional Development Scholarship Program. Click here or visit http://www.ovcttac.gov/taResources/scholarship.cfm for more information.

  How do I Apply?
Contact COVA by telephone, 303-861-1160 or 800-261-2682, or fax, 303-861-1265, to request an application, or download an application by clicking here.

CVAA will address issues unique to rural Colorado and provide skill-based, experiential training.  CVAA offers the opportunity for people new to the field to learn from experts and each other about quality response to victims of crime.  You will expand your knowledge and skills, and increase your confidence in working with crime victims.

  Who Should Attend?
CVAA is designed for individuals in rural areas who have two years or less in the field or have had few training opportunities.  However, many times individuals with more experience attend the academy to enhance their knowledge. The training is appropriate for individuals working in law enforcement, prosecutor's offices, probation, corrections, and non-system agencies working with victims of crime including domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, general crime advocacy, legal advocacy, etc.  Preference will be given to paid professionals in rural areas. Volunteers and metro area individuals may also apply, and may be admitted as space allows. The Academy is limited to 30 participants. 

  What are the Requirements?
Participants will have completed their basic department/agency training prior to admission to CVAA. Candidates will complete a CVAA admissions application.  In addition, there is  a minimum  of 20-40 hours of self-taught, pre-academy materials to be completed prior to attending the Academy. Please Note: The time this takes varies from person to person and depends on reading/comprehension speed as well as writing speed.   It is fine to have a study-buddy, but we require students to submit their own work.  The self-study materials will be due 5-6 weeks prior to the Academy - late self-study material submissions will affect the Participants' ability to attend the academy.

  What will I Learn at CVAA?
Participation in CVAA requires a considerable time commitment, including pre-academy preparation. Upon acceptance, candidates will self-study the NVAA curriculum, which is comprised of 28 modules. Topics include (but are not limited to):

History of Victims Rights	Cultural Considerations
Sexual Assault	Rural Victims
Workplace Violence	Domestic Violence
Financial Crime	. . . . and more!

The self-study portion of the curriculum will require a minimum of 20 hours to complete prior to the beginning of the Academy.  Each module has a self-administered quiz, which the candidate will complete and submit to COVA prior to the beginning of the academy.  THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS OF PRE-ACADEMY SELF-STUDY QUIZZES is stated on the application.  Click here to download an application.

The classroom portion of the training will be a 40-hour academy presented in five consecutive days. Each training module will include experiential exercises designed to provide skill-building and practical application of information. The modules for classroom study include (but are not limited to):

 Communication & Belief Systems
 Crisis Intervention & Assessment
 Vicarious Trauma & Self-Care
 Colorado's Victim Rights Law & Victim Compensation
 Domestic Violence, Stalking, & Restraining Orders
 Sexual Assault
 Child Abuse & Sexual Assault on Children
 Death Notification
 Rural Issues
 Collaboration & Networking
 Cultural Considerations in Assisting Victims

  Can I Receive Continuing Education Credits?
Participants may choose to obtain either eight Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) by paying an additional fee of $10, or three semester hour credits for $417.22. CEUs and semester hours will be provided by Metropolitan State College, Denver, Colorado.  Participants who complete all requirements of the Academy will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Call the COVA office to request a CVAA Application, or click here to download one.