PCCD sponsors a conference that provides an opportunity for victim service providers and allied professionals to enhance their skills, network, and rejuvenate. The conference is held every two years and allows for an opportunity to network with victim service and allied professionals (e.g. probation officers, prevention education specialists, social workers, drug and alcohol counselors, and law enforcement). Attendees enhance their knowledge base by learning new techniques and emerging issues used in the victim services field as well as strengthen their leadership, grant management, organizational capacity and recruitment skills.
Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Award
The Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Awards are the most prestigious awards to be bestowed upon Pennsylvania advocates and allied professionals within the victims' services movement. Their inaugural debut was in 1999 and they have been awarded on an annual basis since them. These awards are administered by the Office of Victims' Services (OVS) in the Pennsylvania Commission of Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and are intended to show respect and appreciation for the efforts made by victim service advocates and allied professionals throughout Pennsylvania. Beginning in 2023, the awards will be made on a bi-annual basis to run congruently with the Pathways for Victim's Services Conference. The Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Awards consist of the following categories:
- Allied Professional
- Community Service
- Individual Direct Service
- Organizational Capacity Building
- Outstanding Student Activist
- Prevention Education & Outreach
- Program
- Survivor Activist
For question or inquiries about the award process, please contact RA-CD-PATHFINNDER@pa.gov.