BJA FY 23 The National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative: Training and Technical Assistance Program

Description

The overall goal of the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative TTA Program is to build state and local capacities to address violent crime associated with unsubmitted SAKs, sexually motivated homicides, and corresponding crime scene evidence by supporting the needs of SAKI sites and, as resources allow, other jurisdictions engaged in community-based sexual assault reform. Given the complexity and diversity of the tasks, applicants are strongly encouraged to partner with other relevant providers in developing the application. The TTA services should include, but are not limited to: Training and educational sessions developed and conducted by relevant subject matter experts Technical assistance on SAK-related issues, including inventorying, testing, and tracking SAKs On-site and remote assistance, including training related to investigation and prosecution of sexually motivated crimes as well as other violent crime cold cases Creation and reporting of performance metrics TTA related to the collection of lawfully owed DNA Supporting the SAKI sites to engage in multidisciplinary coordination, investigation, prosecution, and victim advocacy, engagement, and support in connection with evidence and cases resulting from the testing of unsubmitted SAKs and backlogs of violent crime cold cases Additionally, BJA seeks providers that will lend additional forensic support to the existing SAKI sites in their efforts to identify and resolve Jane and John Doe sexually motivated homicides. It is expected that the National SAKI TTA Program providers selected under this award will leverage existing TTA resources available through BJA’s sakitta.org website, OJP, and DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), in addition to creating additional TTA tools to fill existing resource gaps. The chosen providers will give direct assistance to the SAKI grantee sites under two distinct purpose areas, which are designed to elevate local jurisdictional responses to violent crimes, particularly those that are sexually motivated, and will also provide targeted TTA in support of their initiatives and to other non-SAKI funded jurisdictions engaged in system improvement efforts as resources allow. BJA oversees a large and active portfolio of training and technical assistance. Consistent with BJA’s making these awards as cooperative agreements, these awards will be administered in close consultation and approval by BJA staff and leaders. Several principles guide BJA’s training and technical assistance: Informed by data, needs of the field, and research to provide efficient and consistent delivery of services—TTA partners should actively gather input from grantees and the field and data on relevant crime issues to inform their approaches and the TTA plan’s feasibility. Any proposed approaches should employ adult learning theory and research on effective practices, and they should leverage technology to enhance the quality of services. Reach members of the field where they are and reach a broader audience—TTA partners should ensure that their TTA strategies are fair, flexible, and can be useful for persons and agencies with varying levels of capacity and experience. TTA partners should have a diverse team of members who can effectively work with the field and bring creative ideas to expanding the impact of BJA’s TTA. Assess the TTA’s impact and make refinements to better accomplish the TTA’s goals—TTA partners should have a plan to ensure their TTA strategies are implemented with fidelity, and they should assess how well those being served are engaged and applying what is learned. The partners should evaluate the intended outcomes to make refinements to their approach. Anticipate BJA processes and approvals to proactively manage and share updates and current and relevant information with the field and grantees—TTA partners should use a proactive project management approach to ensure: (1) the planning and problem solving are accomplishing grantees’ goals, (2) BJA and its grantees are kept up to date on all progress made, (3) TTA is coordinated closely with other BJA partners, and (4) TTA partners make effective use of funds. In addition, the TTA partners should make all resources available to the field in addition to grantees, and they should proactively market these resources.

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