Rule 105-3-.05. Certification Requirements for Family Violence Intervention Program Facilitators

Rule 105-3-.05. Certification Requirements for Family Violence Intervention Program Facilitators

1. (1) Initial Facilitator Certification Requirements.

   1. (a) Facilitator Training Requirements. Applicants shall provide proof of completing the following training requirements within two (2) years of applying for certification:

      1. 1. FVIP Informational Session. An applicant for an FVIP Facilitator certification must attend an Informational Session and submit a signed authorization for the Commission to conduct background checks necessary during the certification period, including an initial background check required prior to enrolling in FVIP Basics. The informational session does not count toward the training requirements set forth in this section.

         1. (i) Background Check Requirement. Applicants for certification who have completed the Informational Session must complete an initial background check and receive approval before enrolling in FVIP Basics. All applicants shall submit to a comprehensive background check, including criminal history, the Georgia Protective Order Registry, and the Department of Motor Vehicles driving history record. The Commission may request additional background checks at any point during the certification period. Failure to comply with or submit to any request for a background check may result in a temporary suspension of certification until the request is satisfied. All background checks will be conducted by the Department. The Commission shall provide the background check findings at the request of the applicant or Facilitator.

   2. (b) Facilitator Training Requirements.

      1. 1. Completion of Commission-delivered FVIP Basics training;

         1. (i) Applicants must attend "FVIP Basics," a fourteen (14) hour Commission-delivered training. FVIP Basics must be completed prior to beginning all other training and class participation requirements.
      2. 2. Applicants must complete twenty (20) hours of Commission-approved training. These training hours must be pre-approved by the Commission.

      3. 3. Community Task Force and Coordinated Community Response Requirements.

         1. (i) Applicants must attend six (6) meetings hosted by a Community Task Force on Family Violence, the Commission, Family Connections, or other Commission-approved domestic violence community meeting;

         2. (ii) Applicants shall complete twenty (20) hours of community awareness or other coordinated community response to domestic violence for the purpose of engaging in local domestic violence awareness, response, or advocacy. The following activities may satisfy this requirement. Pre-approval from the Commission is required for activities not listed.

            1. (I) Attend a domestic violence community meeting or event;
            2. (II) Complete a domestic violence civil (e.g., TPO) or criminal court calendar observation;
            3. (III) Participate in a Department of Community Supervision ride-along with a Domestic Violence Liaison Officer;
            4. (IV) Meet with a victim liaison at a CJCC-Certified family violence agency; or
            5. (V) Volunteer at a domestic violence advocacy program.

   3. (c) FVIP Class Participation Requirements. Applicants shall provide proof of completing the following participation requirements within two (2) years of applying for certification.

      1. 1. Twelve (12) classes as a participant observer in a certified FVIP. A Facilitator Trainee may participate in an FVIP class as an observer after completing fourteen (14) hours of FVIP Basics training as outlined in 105-3-.05(1)(b)(1)(i) and only with a certified Facilitator.
      2. 2. Twelve (12) classes of direct contact as a Co-Facilitator Trainee with a certified Facilitator. A Facilitator Trainee may participate as a Co-Facilitator Trainee after completing the FVIP Basics and participant observer requirements outlined in 105-3-.05(1)(b)(1)(i) and 105-3-.05(1)(c)(1).
   4. (d) Recommendation Letter(s). Applicants shall submit a letter of recommendation from each certified Facilitator with whom the applicant completed their direct Facilitator Trainee requirements.
   5. (e) Facilitator Educational Requirements. Facilitators must have a four (4) year college degree or two (2) years of experience in group facilitation, course instruction, delivering training, or counseling.

   6. (f) Acknowledgement of Adherence to Principles of Practice. A signed acknowledgment of the Principles of Practice must be submitted to the Commission upon certification and recertification, and the Facilitator shall prominently display them in the program facility in which they are facilitating. Facilitators shall make the Principles of Practice accessible at all times during virtual FVIP classes. Each Facilitator Trainee and certified Facilitator shall adhere to the following Principles of Practice.

      1. 1. FVIP Providers and Facilitators are advocates for victims of domestic violence who work to hold participants accountable for their acts of domestic violence. The highest priorities of FVIP Providers and Facilitators are the safety, rights, and confidentiality of victims.
      2. 2. FVIP Providers and Facilitators advocate that offenders of domestic violence be held accountable. FVIP Providers and Facilitators should never collude with participants to minimize, tolerate, or justify abusive and unacceptable behavior.
      3. 3. FVIP Providers and Facilitators consult with victim advocates to ensure quality programming.
      4. 4. FVIP Providers and Facilitators consistently act and communicate in ways that do not perpetuate discriminatory behavior, attitudes, or bias. FVIP Providers and Facilitators treat all with dignity.
      5. 5. FVIP Providers and Facilitators are not legal advocates or witnesses on behalf of participants and shall use caution when responding to requests for assessments, impressions, opinions, information, or testimony. FVIP Providers or Facilitators will not state or imply that program completion will result in non-abusive behaviors or victim safety.
      6. 6. Anger management programs, couples counseling, and psychotherapy are not appropriate interventions for domestic violence and may place the victim at heightened risk. Ending violence and abuse and prioritizing victims' safety takes precedence over efforts to save relationships.
      7. 7. Educational group sessions must be the primary approach to domestic violence intervention. However, though not as substitutes for FVIP, Providers may determine that participants would benefit from additional interventions, separately, including but not limited to substance abuse treatment, addiction treatment, mental or behavioral health treatment, parenting classes, or individual therapy, provided only in addition to participation in FVIP. The FVIP Provider may notify the appropriate court or referral source of any recommendation in such instances.
      8. 8. FVIPs alone do not create accountability. FVIP Providers and Facilitators collaborate with community partners and participate in a larger coordinated community response to domestic violence.

   7. (g) Acknowledgment of Adherence to Code of Ethics. Each Facilitator Trainee and certified Facilitator shall adhere to the following Code of Ethics and submit a signed copy upon certification and recertification.

      1. 1. I will make victim safety my first priority in working with participants who engage in acts of domestic violence. I will make participant accountability my second priority.
      2. 2. I will collaborate with domestic violence victim advocates to design and inform my FVIP work to ensure quality programming.
      3. 3. I will provide truthful, accurate, and complete statements to the criminal justice system, victim liaisons, the Department, the Commission, and other community partners.
      4. 4. I will report to the referring agency and victim liaison any recent additional acts of domestic violence admitted to by an FVIP participant, when such reporting will not further endanger any victim or witness. Through consultation with the victim liaison, I will report to all appropriate legal authorities any suspected neglect and/or abuse of a child or protected adult.
      5. 5. I will report to the Commission any apparent violations of the Rules for Family Violence Intervention Programs that I observe or become aware of while certified as an FVIP Provider or Facilitator.
      6. 6. I will conduct myself in my personal and professional life in a manner consistent with the principles of nonviolence, and I will abide by a drug-free lifestyle. I will immediately notify the Program Owner and the Commission if I am arrested or convicted of any misdemeanor or felony.
      7. 7. I will avoid personal, professional, or business relationships that conflict with the interests of the FVIP and those it serves. I will not accept gifts, services, or benefits that impair my integrity or the integrity of the agency, or that might invite special considerations.
      8. 8. I will avoid the appearance of impropriety. I will not engage in any behavior that I would be unwilling to disclose fully to my colleagues, legal authorities, and the public. I will not engage in sexual or romantic activities with participants, victims, or their family members for at least two (2) years after our last professional contact. Even at that time, I will not engage in such behaviors that could reasonably contribute to the suffering of any person(s) or the impairment of the FVIP efforts.
      9. 9. I will fully explain all program rules and policies, fee payment, enrollment, program standards, discharge, and completion requirements to participants. I will consistently apply program rules to all participants.
      10. 10. I will treat all program participants and the victims of their violence fairly. I will not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, class, age, religion, educational attainment, ethnicity, national origin, handicaps, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or economic condition. To the best of my ability, I will work to ensure that all persons have equal access to FVIP resources and services.

   8. (h) Notice Requirement. Facilitators shall immediately notify the Commission of any of the occurrences listed below. Additional documentation shall be provided upon the Commission's request. Failure to provide the Commission with timely notice and/or requested documentation will result in the temporary suspension of the Facilitator's certification. The Commission may temporarily suspend certification pending final resolution or disposition of the pending matter.

      1. 1. At any point during or while seeking certification, Facilitators shall provide the Commission documentation and details of any of the following:

         1. (i) Conviction, guilty plea, or nolo contendere plea for any felony or misdemeanor.
         2. (ii) Adjudication of guilt withheld for a felony or misdemeanor, including First Offender Act and conditional discharge sentencing.

         3. (iii) Current charges of a violation of law, not including minor traffic offenses, are subject to a fine of less than $500.

            1. (I) Notice of Arrest Requirement. Once certified, Facilitators shall report an arrest to the Commission within three (3) business days of their release from custody.
         4. (iv) Reports to the Department of Family and Children's Services for child abuse or neglect.

         5. (v) Protective orders issued against them or bond conditions resulting from an arrest.

            1. (I) Notice of Temporary Protection Order Respondent Requirement. Once certified, Facilitators shall report to the Commission any temporary protection order, including dating violence or stalking orders, of which they are a respondent by the next business day after service of the order.
         6. (vi) A finding of domestic violence made in divorce, custody, or visitation proceedings.
         7. (vii) Any sanctions and revocations imposed by any professional licensing boards.
         8. (viii) Any formal complaints or civil action filings, in which they are a named defendant, alleging conduct involving sexual harassment or misconduct, or retaliation, or involving conduct of dishonesty, fraud, or theft, or where allegations of domestic violence or abuse.
   9. (i) Initial Facilitator Certification Schedule and Fees. The Commission will review Facilitator certification applications on an ongoing basis. Each applicant must submit a nonrefundable $150.00 certification fee with their application. The Commission will prorate certification fees to the nearest January 1.

2. (2) Recertification Requirements for Family Violence Intervention Program Facilitators.

   1. (a) Once certified, a Facilitator certification shall remain active for two (2) years from the prorated January 1 certification date as long as the Facilitator remains in compliance with applicable laws and rules. The failure or refusal to maintain certification while facilitating FVIP classes shall subject the Facilitator to sanctions provided in these rules.

   2. (b) Training and Community Engagement Requirements. Each applicant shall submit to the Commission a completed application and all required documentation showing completion of the following recertification requirements:

      1. 1. Training and community engagement requirements must be completed between January - December annually for each year of the certification period. Facilitators shall provide proof of completing the following requirements when applying for recertification:

         1. (i) Applicants for recertification must complete twelve (12) hours of Commission-approved training annually, a total requirement of twenty-four (24) hours of training in the two (2) year certification period. Once the training hours requirement is met, up to six (6) hours in excess of the required training hours accrued in a certification period may roll over and apply toward the next recertification period only, after which they shall expire.
         2. (ii) Attend three (3) meetings of the Community Task Force on Family Violence or other coordinated community response to domestic violence annually (a total of six (6) meetings during the certification period). If no such body exists, the applicant shall attend other domestic violence community meetings or related events, provided the applicant receives the Commission's approval before attending.

   3. (c) Recertification Schedules and Fees.

      1. 1. Facilitators shall complete and submit the required application and documents to the Commission by January 1 biannually. Each recertification applicant will be required to submit a nonrefundable $100 recertification fee with their application.
      2. 2. Late fee. A $100 late fee will be assessed for certified Facilitators who submit the recertification application within thirty (30) calendar days after January 1, and the Facilitator's certification will be suspended.
      3. 3. Reinstatement fee. If recertification requirements are met more than thirty (30) calendar days but within sixty (60) days from January 1, there will be an additional shall be reinstated upon payment of an additional $200 reinstatement fee.
      4. 4. Certification expiration. After sixty (60) calendar days beyond the recertification date, the certification will expire. A Facilitator may apply to reinstate an expired certification within two (2) years of the previous recertification start date if such Facilitator provides proof of completing the required twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education and participation in six (6) Community Task Force on Family Violence meetings. If approved, previously assessed fees, plus a $200 expired-status processing fee, must be paid prior to reinstatement.

      5. 5. Initial certification required. Beyond two (2) years from the recertification date, a previously certified Facilitator must apply for certification by meeting the initial certification requirements as a new Facilitator.

         SCHEDULE OF RECERTIFICATION FEES FOR FAC ILITATORS Due Date Amount January 1st biannually (every two (2) years) $100 non-refundable application fee Total: $100 Within thirty (30) calendar days after January 1 $100 non-refundable application fee + $100 late fee Total: $200 Between thirty (30) and sixty (60) calendar days of January 1. $100 non-refundable application fee + $100 late fee + $200 reinstatement fee Total: $400 Reinstating expired certification after sixty (60) days of January 1 for up to two years of the recertification date. $100 non-refundable application fee + $100 late fee + $200 reinstatement fee + $200 expired status processing fee Total: $600

3. (3) Notice of Approval or Denial of Facilitator Certification and Recertification.

   1. (a) Period of Review. Upon receipt of all required application materials and fees, the Commission will undertake a review to determine whether the Facilitator meets the requirements for certification or recertification. The Commission will notify the applicant within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the application materials whether the application is approved, denied, incomplete, or requires additional time to process.
   2. (b) Notice of Approval. If the Commission determines all certification or recertification requirements have been satisfied as set forth by law and in these rules, the Commission shall certify or recertify the Facilitator. The Commission will notify the Facilitator of their initial certification via electronic mail at the email address provided in the application, unless notice via certified mail is requested in writing upon submission of the application. The Commission will notify the Facilitator of their recertification in the Commission-designated reporting system.
   3. (c) Notice of Denial. If the Commission determines that certification or recertification requirements have not been satisfied, the Commission will advise the applicant or Facilitator who was denied initial certification or recertification, in writing, of the reasons for denying the application via the email address provided in the application. An applicant will have ten (10) business days from the date of the Commission's notification of denial to submit additional documentation, correct deficiencies, or otherwise remedy the application as may be required by the Commission to reconsider. If the applicant again fails to satisfy all certification or recertification requirements upon reconsideration, the application shall be denied. The Commission will notify the applicant of their application status via electronic notification unless certified mail is requested in writing with the application upon submission.
   4. (d) Denials may be appealed by following procedures required by law and these rules.
   5. (e) It is the responsibility of applicants and Facilitators to submit and maintain their current mailing address and email address with the Commission, as any and all correspondence will be sent using the information on file.

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 19-13-11, 19-13-13(b), 19-13-14(a) & (e), 19-13-17.

History. Original Rule entitled "Certification Requirements for Family Violence Intervention Program Facilitators" adopted. F. Dec. 3, 2018; eff. Dec. 23, 2018.

Amended: F. Feb. 23, 2026; eff. Mar. 15, 2026.