Advocates

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ACP depends on the advocacy training of advocates located throughout the state to help those wanting to enroll in the ACP. Interested people meet with an advocate who has been designated as an Application Assistant (AA) to create or review their safety plan and threat assessment before completing and application to apply for the program.

What is an Application Assistant (AA)?

An AA must be a designee of their agency or program and accepted by the secretary of state to assist individuals with threat assessment, safety planning, and the completion and submission of ACP applications. Without AAs, the ACP would not be successful in helping families stay safe.

Application Assistant Eligibility

By law, only certain people are eligible to be an ACP Application Assistant. They must be an employee of a non-profit program or a state, county, or other local agency. Additionally, it must be a part of their job to provide advocacy, counseling, referral, or shelter services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking.

Role of the Application Assistant
  • Provide safety planning and other resource assistance to the applicant.
  • Discuss ACP eligibility and how the ACP fits with the applicant's safety plan. 
  • Explain how the ACP works, and participant responsibilities once enrolled.
  • Assist the applicant with completing the ACP application.
  • Forward the completed application to the ACP.
How do I become a Certified Application Assistant?

If you meet the eligibility criteria to be an ACP Application Assistant, you must:

  1. Complete certification training provided by the Washington ACP AND

  2. Submit a complete Application Assistant Agreement

Certification training can be completed by:

  1. Attending a live on-line training. Dates and registration links are under Training Dates and Registration.

  2. Watching the program videos (approximately 25 min) AND scheduling a 20-30 minute phone follow-up to review completing the application and any questions. Email [email protected].

  3. Scheduling an on-line or in person training for multiple advocates at your program/agency. Email [email protected].

You will be provided with applications AFTER completing training AND submitting an agreement.

Certification is valid for two years from the date your agreement is processed and a new agreement must be completed every two years to continue serving as an Application Assistant.

You can transfer your certification to a new employer as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements and submit an updated agreement.

Training Dates and Registration

Registration CLOSED September, Wednesday 23rd - 10:30am - 11:45am

October, Tuesday 20th - 1:30pm - 2:45pm

November, Tuesday 10th - 2:00pm - 3:15pm

December, Thursday 10th - 9:30am - 10:45am

Request for training and materials

If you are a current Application Assistant and are in need of ACP materials, please email [email protected]. Applications are not available online and must be requested from our office directly by a certified Application Assistant.