Applications are accepted year-round for the virtual KAVA.
The Kansas Governor’s Grants Program (KGGP) provides leadership and oversight for statewide victim services training. In 2002, the first training was held and called Building Advocacy Skills, Information and Knowledge (B.A.S.I.K.). In 2012, the KGGP updated the training course and began the Kansas Academy for Victim Assistance (KAVA), an enhanced and reformatted version of B.A.S.I.K. KAVA is a virtual statewide training academy committed to the improvement of victim services by enhancing the skills of professionals who work with crime victims and survivors. The purpose of the academy is to provide participants with a foundation of knowledge and skills to create a consistent, victim-centered, and trauma-informed response to crime victims and survivors in Kansas.
KAVA benefits Kansas. Effective services improve outcomes for victims of crime.
KAVA provides victim assistance professionals with:
- Victim-centered training
- Trauma-informed training
- Foundation-level/core knowledge training
- Creates a competent and consistent response to victims in Kansas
- Promotes a collaborative response to victims in Kansas
KAVA is one of a kind. There is no comparable education or training in Kansas.
- Intensive, five day course
- Brings together a diversity of fields
- Practice-focused approach
- Taught by those in the field
KAVA is an experience!
KAVA dates for 2024 are to be determined.
"This is a great academy for all agencies--not just advocates!"
“I feel so much more equipped to do my work now that I have this enhanced knowledge. I’m leaving here with information and ideas and people to help make needed change happen. I will absolutely infuse this perspective in my work immediately. I am more empowered and invigorated to do this work”
“KAVA was awesome!! After coming home and unwinding all I could think of is how to get more involved!!! Everyone should experience KAVA once!”
“I appreciated the opportunity to learn about resources for crime victims, how Kansas is supporting crime victims, and special considerations. A good broad-based approach.”
"I found value in everything presented to us this week. I have learned something from each topic. Most importantly for me, my interest was sparked and I’m excited to learn more."
"Thank you for what you do! Everything was amazing! The amount of knowledge available was off the charts! You all rock!"