Colorado Victim Assistance Academy (CVAA)
In 1999, COVA 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 was 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 and to emphasize the importance of social networking and collaboration to enhance services provision in the victim services field. The curriculum embraces the entire scope of victim services, and has been enhanced to address unique and specific issues in Colorado.
July 26-30, 2021
Colorado Springs, Colorado
The Hotel Eleganté Conference & Event Center
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Sessions will start at 8:00 a.m. and finish at 6:00 p.m. We will provide breakfast, coffee and water throughout the day. Each participant will be responsible for her/his own meals, with the exception of one working lunch.
Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on June 21, 2021. Applicants will be notified of acceptance within 3-5 business days of COVA receiving the application. Full tuition payment will be required within 14 days of receipt of the application.
Questions? Contact COVA by telephone at (303) 861-1160 or toll-free at (800) 261-2682.
The Division of Criminal Justice MAY be able to provide you a scholarship for the Basic Academy. COVA has no further information and is not involved in the selection process.
Why Attend?
The Academy is an intense experience, but one that will most definitely enhance your ability to work with victims of crime. The CVAA provides you with the training to expand your knowledge, skills, and increase your confidence in working with crime victims. Also, since CVAA attendees include people from all four corners of Colorado, you will have a unique opportunity to forge relationships with other victim services professionals from across the State.
Who Should Attend?
The CVAA is designed for professionals with less than two years’ experience in the field, or who have had little training. The training is appropriate for individuals working in law enforcement, prosecutor’s offices, probation, corrections, and community based agencies (e.g., a domestic violence or sex assault victim services non-profit) working with crime victims. COVA strives to provide training to underserved areas of the State where equivalent training is not readily available. As a result, preference will be given to paid professionals working in rural areas. Metro area advocates and non-paid advocates are also encouraged to apply and will be admitted on a space-available basis. The Academy is limited to 40 persons.
Coursework
The pre-Academy coursework is designed to provide a general overview of the role of a victim services provider, and to ensure that participants have a basic familiarity with topics such as domestic violence, sexual assault, ethics, and cultural competency. Activities to promote teamwork and networking will occur throughout the Academy.
The classroom portion of the training will be a 40-hour Academy presented in five consecutive days. Although these topics are subject to change, the anticipated training topics for the CVAA include:
The classroom portion of the training will be a 40-hour Academy presented in five consecutive days. Although these topics are subject to change, the anticipated training topics for the CVAA include:
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CVAA and COVA's Voluntary Certification
Advocates who wish to show their commitment to their profession may take part in the Colorado Advocate Certification Program (CACP). This is a voluntary program created and administered by COVA. Applicants for the CACP must have 2 years of advocacy experience, as well as 60 hours of training. More information about voluntary advocate certification will be provided at the Academy.
For further information about CVAA please contact:
Ami McCarthy at 303-996-8082 or at the following e-mail:
Ami McCarthy at 303-996-8082 or at the following e-mail:
