Developing Future Victims Specialists Internship Program - Navajo Nation

Capacity Builders will use grant funds to expand and continue operating their existing Future Victim Specialist Internship Program, which was first funded by OVC in 2017. Interns will participate in a year-long, 480 hour program. The program will include 18 interns over the entire grant project period. Interns will be recruited from Arizona State University, Fort Lewis College, Dine College, and New Mexico Highlands University and will serve the Navajo Nation, which covers parts of New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. Interns will be required to complete the National Advocate Credentialing Program and obtain the Native American Fatherhood and Family Association (NAFFA) “Addressing Family Violence and Abuse” train-the-trainer certification. Interns will complete 144 hours shadowing Sexual Assault Social Workers in the emergency room at the San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, NM (a Navajo Nation border town); 144 hours shadowing a victim advocate in at least one of the Navajo Nation shelters serving domestic violence and sexual assault victims; and 144 hours completing field work with the Navajo Nation Police Department, where interns will receive training on emergency calls, victim assistance, victim placement, arrests, and court proceedings.