Steps To Becoming an Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP )Facilitator

If you are interested in becoming a certified Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP) Facilitator in the state of Georgia, here are the steps you will need to take.

A Certified FVIP Facilitator instructs classes that offenders of domestic violence are court-ordered to attend. This is not certification for someone who would like to work with victims of domestic violence.

Initial FVIP Facilitator Certification Requirements

Facilitator applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Your certification date will be prorated to the nearest January 1.

Initial FVIP Facilitator Certification: Step‑by‑Step Process

1. Attend the FVIP Informational Session

Required as the first step for all applicants.
Must also submit state-issued ID and social security card, and a signed authorization for background checks.

2. Complete the Initial Background Check

Must be approved before enrolling in FVIP Basics.
Includes criminal history, Protective Order Registry, and DMV driving history.

3. Complete FVIP Basics (14 Hours)

Mandatory Commission‑delivered training.
Must be completed before any other training or class participation.

4. Complete 20 Hours of Commission‑Approved Training

All hours must be pre‑approved by the Commission.

5. Complete Community Task Force & Community Engagement Requirements

A. Attend 6 Community Task Force / CCR Meetings

May include Family Connections or other Commission‑approved DV meetings.

B. Complete 20 Hours of Community Awareness / CCR Activities

Approved activities include:

DV community events
TPO or criminal DV court observation
DCS DV Liaison ride‑along
Meeting with a victim liaison
Volunteering at a DV advocacy program

6. Complete FVIP Class Participation Requirements

A. 12 Classes as a Participant Observer

May begin only after completing FVIP Basics.
Must observe with a certified Facilitator.

B. 12 Classes as a Co‑Facilitator Trainee

Must complete Basics + observer hours first.
Must co‑facilitate with a certified Facilitator.

7. Submit Recommendation Letter(s)

One letter required from each certified Facilitator who supervised the trainee during co‑facilitation.

8. Meet Educational Requirements

Must have either:
- A 4‑year college degree OR
- 2 years of experience in group facilitation, instruction, training, or counseling.

9. Sign and Submit Required Agreements

A. Principles of Practice

Must be signed at certification and recertification.
Must be displayed in the program facility and accessible during virtual classes.

B. Code of Ethics

Must be signed at certification and recertification.

10. Submit Notice of Any Required Disclosures

Arrests, charges, protective orders, DFCS reports, licensing sanctions, etc.
Failure to report results in temporary suspension.

11. Submit Application + $150 Non‑Refundable Fee

Certification is reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Fees prorated to nearest January 1.

12. Await Commission Review & Approval

Commission notifies applicant within 30 days.
If denied, applicant has 10 business days to correct deficiencies.

Due to mail delays, we request that you send an electronic copy of your application.

Send to applications to [email protected].

An invoice will be sent to you to pay with a credit card. If you would like to pay with a check, mail payment to:

Georgia Commission on Family Violence

Attn: FVIP Initial Facilitator Certification

2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Ste 866 East Tower

Atlanta, Ga 30334

Background Check forms (Submit forms with application. GCFV will process your background check.)

Applicant Privacy Rights Signature Form

GCIC Awareness Statement

Georgia Driver's History Consent Form

Name Based Criminal Consent Form

FVIP Facilitator Recertification Requirements

Facilitator Recertification Application are accepted on January 1 annually. Please do not submit facilitator recertification applications prior to your January 1st recertification date. Facilitators must renew their certification every two years.

Commission Approved Training (12 Hours Annually with a total of 24 hours at recertification)
- Commission Approved Training is found under GCFV-Approved Training
Task Force on Family Violence Meeting Attendance (3 Meetings Annually with a total of 6 meetings at recertification)

Submit Applications: