The second Oklahoma Victim Assistance Academy, designed to improve the quality and consistency of services to victims in Oklahoma, will be held June 5-10 at East Central University in Ada. Applications and all required documents must be received by Feb. 28. 
           

The OVAA is an intensive week-long course of study for victim advocates, service providers, law enforcement professionals and social service providers who work directly with crime victims in any capacity in a paid or volunteer position. The academy increases providers’ capacity to serve those victimized by crime, encourages cutting-edge thinking about ways to help victims regain control of their lives, and enhances the multidisciplinary training currently provided. 
           

The Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General will select up to 40 candidates to attend the academy. All students who are accepted and successfully complete the 40-hour training will receive a certificate of completion. Continuing education units (CEU's) have been applied for and academic credit will be available for an additional fee. 
           

An additional 20 to 40 hours of online course work precedes the academy. Candidates should have less than five years of experience working with victims. Applicants with more than five years’ experience are required to submit written justification why they should be considered for the academy. Participants also must live in the campus residence halls for the entire 40-hour training. 
           

Information about the academy and an application can be found online at http://www.victimassistanceprogram.org. Information also is available from Jannason Long at ECU at 580-559-5859 or jlong@ecok.edu, or from Allyson Carson at the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office at 405-522-4397 or Allyson.Carson@oag.ok.gov.

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