1. Victim’s Advocate Network; A collaboration of UTPD and HealthPoint

2. Identified gap in services
The impetus for the project was a tragic event where a long time employee of the University died on campus.
Co-workers tried to revive her unsuccessfully
There were large numbers of distraught employees
This identified a gap in our current services to Faculty and Staff
Students have support through Student Emergency Services

3. Tragic Events on campus
Our campus community has come together to respond to tragic events on campus and we have a variety of high quality programs to support students
Student Emergency Services – 5 staff members
Counseling and Mental Health Center – 45.9 FTE Non-physician clinical staff members

4. Employee Assistance Program
The clinicians at HealthPoint EAP provide high quality, short-term counseling, groups and referrals, as well as trainings across campus
Staffed at 3.25 FTE they must prioritize their core services to approximately 20,000 employees of the University, UT System employees in Austin, their covered dependents and retirees.

5. Close the gap
Mental Health First Aid/Psychological First Aid are different labels for the same service.
The VAN volunteers will offer an opportunity to maximize and enhance our response to Faculty and Staff and provide Mental Health First Aid at crucial times
In addition, this response will demonstrate the caring that the University has for its employees – Longhorns care.

6. Benchmarks
University of Florida – Gainesville. 55,000 students – 3 full-time professional Victim’s Advocates. Respond to faculty/staff, students, visitors
Texas A&M University – College Station. 50,000 students – 1 full-time professional Victim’s Advocate. They are hoping to add a Volunteer Coordinator and move to a volunteer model. Respond to faculty/staff, students, visitors

7. Every Victim in Texas has the right to:
Information
Notification
Be Heard
Participation
Protection
Financial Remedies
We provide the initial part of these, as well as emotional support and connection to ongoing services

8. Who we are – the VAN
We are members of the staff, or faculty of UT Austin, or UT System, including main campus, Pickle Research Center, Marine Science Institute and McDonald Observatory.
We are advocates for Victims of Crime on campus, where there is an employee of UT Austin, or UT System, involved.

9. On the Scene
We respond, at the request of Police Officers, to provide Mental Health First Aid, and practical assistance to victim’s of crimes including:
Sexual Assault
Kidnapping
Aggravated Robbery
Trafficking of Persons
Injury to a Child, Elderly or Disabled Individual or
Those who have suffered Personal Injury or Death as a result of the criminal conduct of another

10. In addition
Victim’s Advocate Network volunteers may be asked to respond to other incidents on campus where individuals are in distress and would benefit from Mental Health First Aid and facilitation of connection to other on- campus services.

11. Example A car running though crowds with injuries.
Police role is dealing with suspect, physical security, interviewing witnesses.
EMS role is dealing with injuries and transport.
VAN role is practical support, Mental Health First Aid and emotional support for individuals impacted.

12. Collaboration is key
We have formed alliances with community organizations off campus also:
Austin Police Department Victim’s Services
Travis County Sheriff’s Department Victim’s Services
Austin/Travis County Integral Care
Austin Community Mental Health Providers, Non- profit organizations

13. What is required to volunteer?
You must have supervisor approval – form will be available on website
After you make application on the website, a thorough background check will be performed.
If approved, you will be contacted for an interview, otherwise you will be notified
The next step is to go on 2 Ride-Outs with UTPD Patrol Officers
Once accepted into candidacy, training begins.

14. Orientation and Training
All candidates will attend an orientation at UTPD offered at intervals.
And complete the Texas Victim’s Advocate Training through the Department of Criminal Justice, either online or in person.
Once completed, candidates will arrange (with help from Coordinator) for a Ride-Out with Austin PD Victim’s Services staff.

15. Good News!!
President Fenves has approved volunteers with the VAN to be eligible to use up to hours per month of paid work time for service through the VAN, or required training.

16. Look for the helpers

17. If you are interested Please contact:
Deborah Sharp, LCSW, CGP at , or