Frequently Asked Questions


Who should attend the Academy?

The second Florida State Victim Assistance Academy is planned to provide educational experiences for both relatively new providers as well as veterans in the field. An important element in the Academy is the mentoring sessions that will team relatively new advocates with experienced advocates. We welcome participation from those in law enforcement, legal services, community, nonprofit, and statewide organizations who serve crime victims. The Student Selection Committee will review applications and make determinations regarding participation. No student is eligible to attend the FSVAA two years in a row.

Do I have to stay at the hotel?

Hotel accommodations for up to five nights will be provided to participants who live outside the area. All others are required to drive in daily to the Academy.

Do I have to attend all sessions and activities?

Participants are required to attend all sessions. At the end of the Academy, a comprehension evaluation of the Academy will be required by all participants.

What are some of the topics to be covered at the Academy?

The Academy curriculum includes daily themes and topics covering a wide variety of subjects. Some of the session topics include: delete leadership development, ethical practices related to working with children, including those with personality disorders—add working with developmentally disabled victims, and understanding the community’s role in campus crime. Topics and sessions identified in the curriculum are fully developed to include learning objectives and specific outcomes for Academy participants. Check the website frequently for updates to the curriculum and information about the various faculty presenters.

What kind of certificate or course credit is offered for Academy attendance?

A diploma certifying completion of the 40-hour, academic-based FSVAA will be given to all participants attending the full Academy. At this time, no academic credit or continuing education is offered.

Will there be homework or assignments during the Academy week?

A short assignment will be given near the close of each of the first four days of the Academy. These assignments may easily be completed during the timeframe for each Academy day.

Will this be the only Academy in Florida?

Plans to continue the Academy on a yearly basis are underway as part of the sustainability work of the Steering Committee.

This project was supported by Grant No. 2005-VF-GX-K017 awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, and U.S. Department of Justice. Points of view in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.