| (a) Local programs must have written requirements that include: (1) Training requirements for direct service advocates; (2) Testing requirements for direct service advocates; (3) Continuing education requirements for direct service advocates; and (4) Confidentiality of client information. (b) Local programs must deliver 40 hours of training for direct service advocates within a three month time frame on the following subject areas as defined by the Sexual Assault Advocate Training Certification Guidelines: (1) Sexual assault dynamics. Eight hours of training must be delivered on sexual assault dynamics. A maximum of two hours can be self-study. Sexual assault dynamics must include the following topics: (A) Historical perspective of sexual assault; (B) Gender socialization; (C) Definition of sexual assault; (D) Sexual assault myths and facts; (E) Effects of sexual assault on survivors; (F) Survivor profile; (G) Offender profile; (H) Significant others; and (I) Sexual assault statistics. (2) System response. Nine hours of training must be delivered on system response. A maximum of three hours can be self-study. System response must include a tour of the medical facility where forensic exams are performed and the following topics: (A) Child and adult protective services; (B) Emergency room protocol; (C) Medical/forensic exam; (D) Role of SANE (when applicable); (E) Pregnancy prevention for survivors; (F) Sexually transmitted infections; (G) Drug facilitated sexual assault; (H) Overview of the criminal justice system; (I) Role of law enforcement; (J) Laws related to sexual assault; (K) Legal resources and remedies; (L) Victim's bill of rights; (M) Victim impact statement; and (N) Overview of Crime Victim's Compensation. (3) Working with survivors. Ten hours of classroom training must be delivered on working with survivors. Working with survivors must include the following topics: (A) Confidentiality; (B) Ethics; (C) Role of an advocate; (D) Secondary victimization; (E) Stress and burnout; (F) Self care; (G) Self protection; (H) Communication and active listening skills; (I) Crisis intervention; (J) Suicide assessment skills; and (K) Role play. (4) Local program information. Three hours of classroom training must be delivered on local program information. The sexual assault services coordinator may determine the content of local program information. (5) On-the-job training. Ten hours of training must be delivered on-the-job. Self-study is not allowed. On-the-job training must begin after the classroom and self-study portions of the training are complete. The sexual assault services coordinator may determine the content of on-the-job training. (c) Completion of the above training requirements must be documented in the individual, confidential personnel/volunteer files of direct service advocates. (d) Local programs may allow direct service trainees to compensate for absenteeism by watching the video-recorded version of the missed training sessions at the local center or through other appropriate means. Up to six hours of the certified training content in "Sexual Assault Dynamics," "System Response" and "Local Program Information" may be compensated for in this way. |
