The Senator Tommy Burks Victim Assistance Academy is a project of the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. The Academy is a comprehensive basic level training designed for victim service providers. The goal of the Academy is to improve services to crime victims by enhancing the knowledge and skills of victim advocates. This week-long session will offer a Tennessee-specific 40 hour curriculum modeled after the National Victim Assistance Academy.
Download the 2010 Senator Tommy Burks Victim Assistance Academy Brochure
What will it cost?
The cost of the Academy will be $450. The Academy fee includes curriculum materials, lodging (on campus), continental breakfast and daily lunch. If you choose to stay off campus the tuition rate will be discounted to $250.
Where will the Academy be held?
The Academy will be June 13-18, 2010 at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Academy participants will be able to choose to stay in campus dorm housing (included in $450 registration fee) or a nearby hotel (hotel is an extra cost and arranged by student). Campus housing will be in apartment style dorms that are shared with up to 3 other same-sex Academy students.
How do I apply?
Download an application here.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. There are a limited number of partial and full scholarships available to participants based on need. Scholarship applications will be able to be submitted online along with your Academy application. If you are applying for a scholarship, a student application must accompany your scholarship application.
Download a scholarship application here.
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, and in turn empower their clients by providing them with the information and services they need.
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. The Academy is also ideal for students who are interested in pursuing the field of victimology. Participants must commit to attending the full week of classes.
What is in it for me?
Great opportunities to expand your skills, meet like-minded people, and increase your ability to better serve victims! Academic credit will be offered to undergraduate and graduate level students for an additional fee ($600 undergrad/$800 graduate). Also, CEU credit through The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and P.O.S.T. credit hours are available upon completion of the 40 hour training course. Participants in the Academy may also be eligible to receive basic national provisional advocate credentials through NOVA for an additional fee of $50 upon completion.
Questions or Comments?
Please email the Academy Program Specialist, Sara Holifield, at sholifield@tcadsv.org or call (615)386-9406 x313 or 800-289-9018.
