FAQ
Q: Will I receive continuing education for attending the Sex Offender Treatment Certification Training?
A: Yes, the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors has approved this training for 31.5 CEUs.
Q: Are there standard(s) with which my certification is associated?
A: No national standard currently exists for sex offender treatment training with which to associate any official certification. Many states have their own laws and program expectations when it comes to institutional or community based levels of services. However; while the program is not associated with a national standard, the teachings are based in the literature on best practices for supervision, assessment and treatment of Juvenile Sex Offenders. The most highly recognized and studied practices are taught, and are accepted by most professionals in the field.
Q: Why should I get certification if there is no national standard?
A: ViaQuest Educational Services believes it is this apparent lack of national standards that require professionals in the field to “step up to the plate” and develop practices that elevate the expectations for staff and therapists who currently work or will work with this volatile population. Graduate schools offer very little, if any, training with this group of client, and yet this population is the most galvanizing group presently served by any private or public agency. The level of specialization that is evident only serves as an exclamation point to the responsibility that any entity has in training their staff and assuring that they are taking the necessary steps to meet the needs of this client and the community at large.
Q: What is the Adam Walsh Act?
A: This Act is a federal measure that was passed outlining the way in which both juvenile and adult sex offenders will be categorized for legal purposes, and what those categories then mean with regards to registration. Furthermore, it outlines, for the juvenile population, the requirement that a state body oversee the certification of programs that provide services to registered juvenile sex offenders. Certified programs are the only programs that will be recognized by the law as meeting the requirements of treatment that will allow a youth to come off of the registration list after so many years. For more information on the Adam Walsh Act, please go here: www.missingkids.com/en_US/documents/AdamWalshAct.pdf
Q: How does this certification differ from a certification offered by a school or university?
A: Again, because there is no national standard for sex offender treatment certification, any university is putting together training and offering that training in the same way we are. The expectation of a practicum and testing is a way for any program to raise the expectation and quality of their program. Other differences may include price, time commitment, background of staff and specific curriculum. For instance, our trainers are current and well-experienced practicing professionals in the field, not academicians teaching from a research-only perspective.
Q: What have past students had to say about the Certification Program?
A: I liked the fact that all of the speakers are experienced professionals who are currently doing the work (that they are teaching about).
A: Thank you for providing this! It is a credential that is manageable to obtain while working full time with a large caseload.
A: No need for improvement! I could only hope to be under the supervision of the trainers. They were very, very knowledgeable.
A: The lectures on the juvenile justice system, internet offenders and treatment methods were helpful and a definite plus.
A: I have gained fabulous tools that are valuable to our facility. It was an honor to be part of this training. The lectures were very informative, especially with regards to the juvenile justice system and assessment. Specifically, I feel better equipped to prepare (juveniles) for discharge from an RTF and assess level of safety for the community.
A: (Regarding the schedule of the classes), I like the format of two days a week (over a two week period) so I am not out of the office for a full week. It gave lots of information and was very helpful. The trainers were knowledgeable and it gave me new ideas for treatment.
Q: What does the certification provide to me as a professional?
A: The certificate program will provide students with 30 lecture hours and 30 practicum hours. After completing the program, students will have advanced education and practicum experience in evaluation, treatment and/or probation management services. The certificate will help professionals specialize their skills in the areas of JSO treatment, evaluation and supervision. It will also prepare them to educate their staff on the best practices for managing the juveniles in their work settings.