Overview of Paladin, National Stalking Advocacy Service (NSAS) University Accredited Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker Training

Who can apply?

This course is designed for those who have one year experience working on the frontline with clients experiencing abuse; come into contact with victims of stalking both domestic violence related and non-domestic violence related; or manage those working with clients experiencing abuse and hold a caseload. Pre-course reading material is made available to all successful applicants.

All students will need to understand, speak and write good English in order to understand the training materials and be able to fully participate in classroom exercises and complete assessment. All students will have adequate IT skills and have access to a current version of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and the internet to access Paladin’s online web portal to submit assessment worksheets online and receive email communications.

How much does it cost?

The cost for statutory agencies to attend this course would be £1200 and £990 for voluntary agencies. This price includes seven classroom based training days, hand-outs, workbooks, case studies and refreshments.

Intake 3 ISAC Training in London, 2016

·  Unit 1: Introduction to Stalking

·  Unit 2: Trauma

·  Unit 3: Impact on Children and Young People

·  Unit 4: Cyber and digital stalking

·  Unit 5: Risk Assessments

·  Unit 6: CPS

·  Unit 7: Advocacy

·  Unit 8: Courts and Course Evaluation

All classes will take place in a classroom in a venue near to Kings Cross, Central London (Zone 1-2) with an expected schedule of 9:30 – 4:30.

How can this training help learners?

The aim of the course is to accredit Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs) working across the UK to help victims and to ensure the provision of a quality ISAC response. By the end of the training course, all students will have a detailed understanding of:

·  The behaviours and profiles of stalkers and the impact that this will have on the victim;

·  How to support victims of stalking and ensure quality ISAC response;

·  How the legislation related to stalking and the experience of victims through

·  Effective police investigation and the criminal and civil court process.

How to identify risk and how to manage it

·  The knowledge in this specialist area through dedicated expert speakers.

·  Safe practice, confidence and skills through classroom based learning, mentoring and feedback sessions.

·  How to effectively share experience and good practice with other ISAC learners.

Unit 1 Introduction to Stalking will cover stalking behaviours, profiles and typologies of stalkers and the legislative framework. It will also look at risk assessment and management.

Unit 2 Trauma will examine the psychological impact of domestic abuse and stalking on victims including post-traumatic stress disorder and will cover the secondary effects of working with high risk victims.

Unit 3 Impact on Children and Young People will examine how perpetrators may also target victims’ children and the way in which younger people may be affected by Stalking.

Unit 4 Cyber Stalking will explore cyber stalking and examine a number of different techniques used by stalkers and how to protect victims

Unit 5 Risk Assessments will examine and explore risk factors and risk assessment including the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment and Honour Based Violence (DASH, 2009) risk assessment model and the 11 stalking questions (S-DASH) and how it can be used to save lives through early risk identification, intervention and prevention.

Unit 6 Police Investigation and CPS will look at police Investigation, CPS and probation in relation to stalking cases and how the ISAC fits into this wider framework.

Unit 7 Advocacy will examine the role of the advocate and challenges. It will also look at multi agency work and explain MAPPA and MARAC and role of the ISAC in these, screening for perpetrators, screening for mental health, dealing with non DV cases and how this will differ from DV cases especially with police response.

Unit 8 The Courts will look at the criminal justice system as a whole in relation to Magistrates court, crown court and civil courts.

End – including course evaluation

What is the time commitment?

The course will run for eleven weeks with seven days classroom based time (9:30am – 4:30pm) and forty hours independent learning to include workbook exercises and independent reading of course materials. Students will need to attend all units.

Area of Study / Approximate time required
Classroom based training / 49 hours
Workbook Exercises / 30 hours
Core Reading and Independent learning / 10 hours

What are the training requirements?

To successfully complete the course, students are required to attend and participate in all seven teaching units, complete all compulsory assessment exercises within the timescales agreed, complete all core reading and pass the marked case study exercises in the workbook in line with the learning outcomes.

What accreditation level is the course?

The ISAC Course is Accredited by the University of Brighton. Paladin will set up an online forum so professionals can discuss critical issues impacting on their work this will also allow Paladin to assist continued professional development.

How can I apply for this course?

This course is designed for those who:

·  Have one year experience working on the frontline with clients experiencing abuse.

·  Come into contact with victims of stalking both domestic violence related and non-domestic violence related.

·  Manage those working with clients experiencing abuse and hold a caseload.

All students would need to complete:

·  An application form

·  Statement of commitment

·  A statement of commitment from your employer stating that they are practicing in the field and meet the above criteria so that the student can implement the learning and they are prepared to meet the costs.

Cancellation terms

Payment is required prior to commencement of the course and invoices will need to be paid within 15 days of issuance.

Paladin operates a strict cancellation policy and both students and employers will agree to these terms upon applying for the course. The policy is detailed below:

·  All cancellations must be made in writing to Paladin.

·  For cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the commencement of the course, a full refund will be made but an administration fee will be charged.

·  For cancellations 30 days or less prior to the commencement of the course, no refund will be made.

·  Once a course has commenced and a place is cancelled or if the student is unable to attend the rest of the course, no fees are refundable.

Paladin NSAS, (trading as Paladin-National Stalking Advocacy Service), a charitable company limited by guarantee with company number 09772287 and charity number 1163801 postal address PO BOX 72962 London, N7 1DZ