The Senator Tommy Burks Victim Assistance Academy
What is the Purpose of the Academy?
The purpose of this Academy is to provide basic level training to victim advocates. The 40 hour curriculum will encompass a variety of subjects including: Victims’ Compensation, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Child Victimization, Elder Abuse, Rural Victims, Hate Crimes, Collaboration, and Cultural Competency.
When is the Academy?
It will be held in May 31st to June 5th in 2009. The Academy will be held on the UTC campus.
Can I get college credits?
Yes. UTC students may attend and receive 3 hours undergraduate or graduate credit. Additional course work will be required and will be done via distance learning. Once you are accepted in the Academy, you will recieve syllabus information. Also, CEU credit through The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, P.O.S.T. credit hours, and National Organization for Victim Assistance provisional credentialing are available upon completion of the 40 hour training course (for additional fees).
What will it cost?
Costs for Academy are $450 payable to the Tennessee State Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (TCASDV); however, UTC students who do not require room and board may attend for $250. The Academy fee does not include college credit tuition. UTC tuition is an additional $550 for undergraduate students and $600 for graduate students. Thus the total cost for students without room and board is $800 for undergraduates and $850 for graduates. TCASDV also will likely have some scholarships available that students can apply for that would reduce the $250 fee somewhat. At this time, these scholarships have not been advertised. Keep checking the web page and it will be posted when there is more information about how to apply for the scholarships.
Why attend?
The Academy will address issues specific to Tennessee crime victims and offer opportunities for people who are fairly new to the field of victim advocacy to learn from experts and each other. Attendees will be able to expand their knowledge and skills in Tennessee law and advocacy issues. Participants in the Academy may also be eligible to receive national provisional advocate credentials through the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) for an additional fee of $100. This certification is increasingly being recognized as an important credential for entry level victim advocacy work nationwide.
Who should attend?
The Academy is designed for individuals who have less than two years experience assisting victims of crime and demonstrate a commitment to victim service. The training is appropriate for individuals working in victim advocacy programs, prosecutor’s offices, law enforcement, probation, corrections, domestic and sexual violence programs, child advocacy centers, and other victim service agencies. It also is appropriate for students who wish to pursue careers related to victim advocacy. Participants must commit to attending the full week of classes, complete home work, tests and pay all fees associated with the Academy. The Academy will be limited to 50 participants and you must be admitted prior to registering for classes.
What is in it for me?
Academic credit will be offered to undergraduate and graduate level students for an additional fee.
How to Apply:
Applications for UTC students currently are available by following this link. Complete the application and email it to Dr. Eigenberg. Non-UTC students should apply by visiting the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence web site. For more information contact Dr. Eigenberg via email or call 423-425-4270.
Information for 2009 Attendees
