The LSVAA encourages attendance of individuals from any agency or organization, who are first responders to crime or provide services to or work directly with crime victims. The participation of victim service providers working within law enforcement, corrections, district attorneys’ offices, and non-profit agencies is particularly encouraged.

The Academy will take place on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus (map), which is an ideal site for the LSVAA as it is centrally located in the heart of Acadiana, home to world famous Cajun culture, cuisine, and hospitality.

Lodging for five (5) nights is included in the registration fee. Participants will reside at UL Lafayette’s most luxurious and modern housing facility, Legacy Park, located directly across the street from Girard Park. Apartment style housing will offer each participant a private bedroom and bathroom, while sharing a living area, kitchen, and washer/dryer. Each bedroom contains a phone jack and Ethernet Internet access. Participants must provide their own telephone, bed linens, pillows and towels for the week. There is also a food court with a convenience store located within the housing complex.

Legacy Park is conveniently located directly across the street from beautiful Girard Park

In order to be eligible for selection, candidates must submit an application by April 15, 2008. Application forms can be downloaded, obtained by request via email to rde8498@louisiana.edu, or by calling 337-482-1249.

Send completed application packet to:
Louisiana State Victim Assistance Academy
Selections Committee
Sarah Abdullah
2901 Leon C. Simon
New Orleans, LA 70126

The selection process is intended to promote a diverse Academy class that represents the state’s geographic regions as well as the main types of victim service agencies in our state. Priority will be given to paid victim service providers with 1 to 5 year’s experience and volunteers with 2 or more year’s experience working with crime victims. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis. If you have less than 1 or more than 5 year’s experience, please address your interest in attending in your personal statement.

The registration fee is $450 and includes six days of program instruction, five nights of lodging, meals, and course materials. Registration is not guaranteed until registration fee is received. Make check payable to Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office. Payment must be received within 30 days of receipt of acceptance letter.

Send Registration fees to or for additional information contact:

Audrey Thibodeaux
LSVAA Coordinator
Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office
300 Iberia Street, Suite 120
New Iberia, LA 70560-4584
337-560-4319 (office)
337-560-4415 (fax)
Email: athibodeaux@iberiaso.org

A limited number of scholarships are available from US Department of Justice-Office for Victims of Crime and will be offered on a first come/first serve basis. For more information, call 337-560-4319

The forty-hour academy will begin on Sunday afternoon at 2:00p.m. and end at noon on the following Friday.

Participants will be eligible to obtain 3 undergraduate college credits upon successful completion of the course and with additional payment of University tuition costs. For more information call 337-482-1249 . Continuing education units and POST credit are being applied for.

No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after June 9th 2008.