Program Details
The course work can be completed in 2 weeks.
The Certification Program requires each participant to complete three phases of training: an academic phase, a practicum phase and a comprehensive testing phase.
1. The Academic Phase: Requires attendance at 16 ViaQuest Sex Offender Treatment Certificaiton Program lectures provided by experts in the field. Lectures cover clinical issues, risk assessment, criminal investigation, legal issues, interviewing, community-based management, residential supervision, and risk reduction. Participants will be provided with a packet of readings which include current research on the treatment and legal issues associated with sex offenders. Participants attend four days of training, each consisting of four, two-hour sessions.
2. The Practicum Phase: Upon completion of the academic phase, participants will be required to complete an experiential project in an area that is relevant to their work. Possible project areas can include case studies on various sex offender typologies, psychosexual evaluation, treatment plan development, probation planning, sexual historytaking, or curriculum development. Other projects could include running specialty groups for offenders, such as social and living skills, relapse prevention, victim empathy or sex education. Participants will provide a written summary of this project to complete this phase.
3. Comprehensive Testing Phase: A written examination is required to complete the Certification Program. The examination can take place on-line or at home if internet access is not available.