Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $300,000)
The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
The First Step Western Wayne County Project will use the grant to continue to meet the complex needs of sexual assault victims in the county, including a specialized forensic exam, immediate crisis intervention, and assistance with prosecution. The formation of First Step's Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program (SANE) has proved to be one of the most significant advances in the county with regard to a community response to sexual assault. Wayne County has been deeply impacted by the poor economy, leaving survivors with fewer options, and all services at First Step are provided at no cost to the victim. In addition, the unique partnership with Wayne State University School of Social Work will produce an evaluation of the impact of the program, not only on the emotional and medical well-being of survivors, but also the improved criminal justice response, including conviction rates for criminal sexual conduct cases. The activities of the Wayne County Sexual Assault Collaborative will include critical cross-training of multiple systems (medical, criminal justice, victim services) aimed at ultimately transforming the way the county responds to victims of these crimes.
NCA/NCF