Spring 2026
Applications for the July 2026 course are now closed. Register your interest to receive updates on future course dates and application openings.
Course overview
This qualification offers practitioners the opportunity to work to break the cycle of domestic abuse, by developing the core skills required to support child victims and survivors.
This qualification is designed to respond to the lack of training provision for frontline workers and professionals supporting children and families affected by the trauma of domestic abuse and coercive control.
This domestic abuse training course for children has two units, each will enable learners to develop the knowledge and skills required to become an impactful children’s domestic abuse practitioner, officially titled: Children’s Domestic Abuse Advocate (CHIDVA).
Successful completion of this accredited course will give you the OCNLR Level 3 certificate – Children’s Domestic Abuse Advocate.
Unit 1: Understanding children’s experiences of domestic abuse
- Understand children’s experiences of domestic abuse.
- Understand the impact and trauma of domestic abuse on children and how to support them.
- Understand professional responses to children and young people affected by domestic abuse and their families.
- Understand the importance of multi-agency working when supporting children affected by domestic abuse.
- Understand the role of The Family Court in domestic abuse cases involving children.
Unit 2: Understanding the role of a Children’s Domestic Abuse Advocate (CHIDVA)
- Understand how to effectively assess needs of children affected by domestic abuse.
- Be able to plan and support children affected by domestic abuse and their families.
- Understand the importance of reflection in own practice.
Time commitment
The CHIDVA course comprises 6 days (in-room, online, or hybrid) training, delivered in two blocks; e-learning modules which must be completed prior to attending each block of training; and the completion of two assessed worksheets that are submitted online.
The list below provides guidance on recommended study time you should allow:
- Guided learning (training blocks, pre-course reading and e-learning modules) – 112 hours
- Worksheets – 48 hours
- Total course time requirement – 160 hours
Price
£1,125 per learner. This training is tax exempt.
Subsidies
A limited number of subsidised places are available specifically for by-and-for services. These reduced-fee places will be allocated through a random selection process from the pool of successful applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.
Please ensure your application is completed as fully as possible, as the information provided will be used to determine eligibility.
How to apply
Applications for the CHIDVA July 2026 course are now closed. If you cannot make any of the courses currently on offer, please register your interest below, and we’ll contact you when future dates are confirmed.
Additional information about the application process can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Accessibility
We welcome everyone who values an inclusive and supportive learning space.
We encourage you to share with us any details on accessibility and diversity needs so we can ensure the right support is in place. You can also contact us if you have any queries via [email protected].