Billings Clinic SANE Program

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), 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 recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, 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 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The Billings Clinic and will use these funds to cover the increasing costs of administering the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. The goal of the SANE program is to enhance victim safety and increase the rate of successful prosecution for crimes of sexual violence against victims through coordinated training and support for the collection of forensic evidence. Program objectives to be accomplished to support the program goal include offering standardized, swift and competent care for sexual assault victims; improving potential prosecution of offenders through detailed evidence collection, adherence to strict evidence handling protocols and knowledgeable expert witnesses; supporting health care personnel, law enforcement and community service providers in an ongoing, coordinated and professional response to sexual assault; and providing community education and awareness of the SANE unit and the services it provides.

NCA/NCF