State Victim Assistance Academy
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
When and where will the next Basic Academy take place?
The Basic Academy has gone virtual!
When and where will the next Advanced Academy take place?
The Advanced Academy has gone virtual! NCVLI will offer the Advanced Academy in September 2021. Visit the Advanced Academy webpage for registration updates and information!
Can you tell me more about the virtual Basic Academy format?
The Basic Academy is the primary source of statewide training for victim advocates and is designed to help crime victim advocates identify, develop and practice core victim advocacy competencies through adult learning methodologies. The Basic Academy will be 100% virtual leveraging asynchronous (e.g., a self-paced course) and synchronous (e.g., an instructor led online course) elements. An online learning community will be created and attendees can work with and learn from each other over the four week course and beyond.
Can a virtual learning environment really work?
The Basic Academy has been carefully crafted leveraging distance learning theory and methodologies to: (1) accommodate a variety of learning styles and paces; (2) accommodate individuals’ existing personal and professional obligations by increasing the self-paced learning opportunities and lessening the fixed time commitments; and (3) leverage the variety of technological tools to optimize learning. By taking advantage of each learning method, the Basic Academy aims to support advocate development in the best way possible.
How long is the Basic Academy?
The mandatory elements of the Basic Academy total 40 hours of training. The 40 hours will be spread over four weeks with 10 hours anticipated each week, comprised of a combination of independent and online learning methodologies.
In addition to these mandatory elements, the Basic SVAA offers optional learning and community building opportunities. Specifically, following completion of the Basic Academy, follow-on learning opportunities in the form of quarterly “remote brown bag lunches” on key topics will be provided to graduates.
What is the breakdown of the 40 hours?
More information on this is coming soon.
Is there pre-work in addition to the online learning?
Yes. There is some work that needs to be done before the training days. Specifically, learners are required to:
- Talk to your supervisor and/or others in your office to determine: (1) your office’s rules regarding confidentiality of victim communications, (2) whether your communications with a victim are privileged, and (3) whether you are a mandatory reporter
- Identify and document key victim resources (e.g., written information, electronic databases, lists of partners, experienced colleagues) that exist in your office
- Identify and document office policies/practices regarding when and to whom to refer victims for complementary needs (e.g., victim attorneys, victim advocates in other organizations, mental health professionals)
- Read the “Vision of a Graduate” document and identify preliminary areas of personal strength and areas in which to grow
When do I have to do the pre-work and online learning?
The required pre-work and online modules may be completed on the learner’s own schedule in advance of the training days. Registered learners will be emailed information about how to access that content, as it is released.
What is the SVAA Basic Academy Attendance/Registration/Cancellation Policy?
To facilitate registration and ensure a consistently applied set of procedures, the following guidelines govern registration, cancellation and attendance at the SVAA Basic Academy trainings:
- Registration fees should be paid in advance and can be paid online using a credit card. Attendees and organizations may pay by check by addressing the check to “NCVLI” and putting the participant or organization name in the memo line of the check. Payment by check must be received one week after completing registration to prevent the cancellation and release of the attendee’s registration; please email ncvli@lclark.edu if you are seeking an extension. Approval of the extension is discretionary based upon demand for the training. For individuals or organizations paying by check, NCVLI will invoice the balance due if funds are not received in advance of the training. Please note that if you cancel your registration and NCVLI has not received payment by credit card or by check, NCVLI will invoice any applicable cancellation charges, as detailed below.
- Tuition minus a $50 handling fee will be refunded, provided an emailed request for cancellation is submitted to NCVLI at ncvli@lclark.edu and received by Friday, July 23, 2021. Refunds after the identified date will not be granted.
- Make-up work may be made available if participants are unable to attend and participate in some of the live sessions, and NCVLI should be contacted in advance, whenever possible, of any absences. Participants must attend and participate in more than 50% of the live sessions to be eligible to receive the make-up work assignments necessary to successfully complete the Basic Academy.
- In the event of a personal or organizational emergency that occurs after the refund period has ended, NCVLI may, space permitting, allow an individual or organization to transfer a registration to the next scheduled Basic Academy.
I am an advocate in another state. May I attend?
Registration priority is given to Oregon participants; out-of-state participants will be enrolled as space allows.
Will I receive an advocate certification when I complete the Basic Academy?
Upon completion of all required Basic Academy activities, the SVAA will provide you with a Certificate of Completion. The SVAA does not certify advocates, but if an advocate is interested in seeking a certification, the Basic Academy is a pre-approved training course with the National Advocate Credentialing Program, which offers a number of different credentials, including a Provisional Advocate Credential (no experience required), a Basic Advocate Credential (3,900 hours/2 years of experience required), an Intermediate Advocate Credential (7,800 hours/4 years of experience), and an Advanced Advocate Credential (15,600 hours/8 years of experience required). For more information about advocate certification, please visit: https://www.thenacp.org/.
Can I apply for a scholarship to attend the Oregon SVAA?
With funding from the Oregon Department of Justice, Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division (CVSSD), NCVLI is pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships for Oregon victim service providers to attend the Oregon State Victim Assistance (SVAA).
Applications are due no later than 5:00pm (pacific) on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Applicants will be notified of award no later than Wednesday, July 21, 2021 and must register for the course by end of day Friday, July 23, 2021.
Complete the Oregon SVAA Scholarship Application HERE. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
What does the registration fee cover?
Registration fees include access to all materials and certificate of completion.
For more information, please email NCVLI at ncvli@lclark.edu.
SVAA is supported by Award No. 2018-V3-GX-0030 awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice or the Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division, Oregon Department of Justice.
SVAA Feedback Procedure
NCVLI strives to improve all aspects of our trainings, including the emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility for attendees from a variety of backgrounds, and we welcome feedback from all participants. In connection with the Basic Academy, participants are provided a number of options for providing feedback, including conversations with NCVLI staff, online questionnaires, hard-copy written feedback forms, and telephone and/or email communications. If you have any feedback, including any questions or concerns, we encourage you to communicate with us using whichever medium you find to be the most comfortable and/or accessible.
NCVLI receives government funding in the form of grants and cooperative agreements from a number of sources, including the Oregon Department of Justice, Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division (CVSSD) and the federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). NCVLI complies with all applicable federal statutes and regulations prohibiting discrimination in federally assisted programs or activities. More information, including the procedures by which to report a formal complaint, is available at https://justice.oregon.gov/crime-victims/pdf/civil_rights_complaints_participants.pdf.