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Counselor
Advocate
Training

48Hr State Certification Course

The YWCA New Britain SACS Counselor Advocate Training (CAT) is a 48-hour state certification course. Once completed, participants will become state certified Sexual Assault Crisis Counselors and Advocates and will have gained the knowledge and experience needed to provide supportive crisis-counseling and advocacy with survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. Participants who complete the CAT course may volunteer on our 24-hour crisis hotline and accompany survivors to the hospital, police station, or courthouse.    

No prior experience is needed to apply.

If you have any questions, please contact

Drey Chesnut at 860-225-4681 ext 520 dchesnut@ywcanewbritain.org  

or

Lindsey Jones at 860-225-4681 x527 ljones@ywcanewbritain.org. 

Next Class: June 2025

Classes are held in the Fall, Spring, and Summer at various locations. The next course is set to begin in Summer 2025.

Sign up here

Fees

A fee of $85 is required to cover costs of training materials for the class and is dependent upon volunteer commitment. All fees are payable the first week of class and are non-refundable. Scholarships are available upon request.

Want to Volunteer?

Volunteer Requirements

Volunteers must commit to a volunteer commitment of 1 year.  This includes 2 hotline shifts per month.  Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and have reliable transportation for hospital, police and court accompaniments.  However, this is not required of those who are taking the class for professional development purposes.  It is suggested that YWCA volunteers be on call for at least two shifts a month to maintain and exercise their knowledge and skills.  To maintain certification, volunteers must attend four hours of in-service training per year and attend annual supervisions. 

How to Apply

Please fill out your application by clicking on the apply button below.  Once your application has been received, we will contact you to schedule a pre-training interview.

Apply to Volunteer

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