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.
The Academy is an intense experience, but one that will most definitely enhance your ability to work with victims of crime. The knowledge and skills you gain will increase your level of confidence. You will be with peers who share your challenges. We are looking forward to working and learning with you at the Academy!
DATES AND LOCATION FOR 2021 TO BE ANNOUNCED
August 24-28, 2020
Colorado Springs, Colorado
The Hotel Eleganté Conference and Event Center
2886 South Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
2886 South Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Sessions will start at 8:00 a.m. and finish at 6:00 p.m. We will provide 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 July 24, 2020. Applicants will be notified of acceptance within 2-3 business days of COVA receiving the application. Full tuition payment will be required within 30 days of receipt of the application.
Accommodations
Participants will stay at The Hotel Eleganté Conference & Event Center. When making your reservation, please state that you are a participant of the COVA Academy and use the reservation number: 2698726.
Room Type Nightly Rate
Double Queen or King Standard $109.00 + tax, breakfast included
Double Queen or King Standard $109.00 + tax, breakfast included
Reservations need to be made by July 30, 2020. Call 800-981-4012, state that you are a participant of the COVA Academy and use reservation number 2698726.
Registration Fee
The registration fee is $475. This includes all written materials for classroom modules, coffee, afternoon snacks, one working lunch, group prizes, and graduation certificate.
Participants are responsible for paying for their own lodging, food, and travel expenses. A limited number of scholarships of $100 toward tuition are available. Full tuition payment will be required within 30 days of receipt of the application.
Cancellation Policy: Registration fee refunds, less a $50 handling fee, are available if a cancellation notice is received in writing by August 3, 2020. No refunds will be available after August 3, 2020.
Participants are responsible for paying for their own lodging, food, and travel expenses. A limited number of scholarships of $100 toward tuition are available. Full tuition payment will be required within 30 days of receipt of the application.
Cancellation Policy: Registration fee refunds, less a $50 handling fee, are available if a cancellation notice is received in writing by August 3, 2020. No refunds will be available after August 3, 2020.
Questions? Contact COVA by telephone at (303) 861-1160 or toll-free at (800) 261-2682.
Why Attend?
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.
Attendee Requirements
Applicants must be currently working with a victim services agency that is either community based or system based. The applicant’s duties must include direct contact with crime victims. A CVAA application packet must be completed. In addition, the applicant must complete approximately 20-25 hours of free on-line basic training. The on-line training will be accompanied by a series of quizzes that must be completed by the individual, without assistance, and submitted to COVA by August 3, 2020. A computer and an internet connection are required to access the on-line training. In order to successfully complete the Academy and receive the CVAA certificate, applicants must complete all pre-Academy assignments and attend all classroom portions of the CVAA training.
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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Continuing Education Units
CEU’s will be offered through Metropolitan State University. The cost is expected to be $20 for four CEU’s. However, this cost is determined by Metropolitan State University and is subject to change. Those interested in receiving CEU’s will be able to sign up for them during the Academy and information on how to complete payment will be provided.
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:
