50-18-152. Training and certification for victim advocates.

The office shall develop and offer a training program for victim advocates to obtain certification pursuant to this article. The training program shall, at a minimum, include:#

1. (1)

   Exhaustive information regarding the program;#

2. (2)

   Methods for assisting applicants with completing application forms;#

3. (3)

   Criteria for determining program eligibility;#

4. (4)

   Information to be provided to participants pursuant to subsection (d) of Code Section 50-18-151; and#

5. (5)

   Instruction on how to submit completed applications and supporting documents to the office.#

The office shall certify a person applying for certification as a victim advocate pursuant to this article if that person has completed the training program pursuant to this Code section. The office shall make available on its website contact information for the organizations that have certified victim advocates.#

There shall be no fee or charge to any participant for any services provided by a victim advocate pursuant to this article.#