In response to the report from the Audit of Untested Sexual Assualt Kits in Indiana, Lake County SART commits to a proactive approach to this nation wide program.

Our commitment: "From this day forward, every (reported) kit" changes the thought from "if" a kit goes to the lab to "when" a kit goes to the lab for testing. 

The Lake County SART Rape Kit Policy Reform outlines protocol that will both address our current backlog and prevent any future backlog.

• Beginning April 1, 2018:
  • Every rape kit shall be picked up by law enforcement with corresponding jurisdiction from the hospital within 72 hours of being notified of the kit.
    • This includes anonymous and non-anonymous kits
  • Every non-anonymous rape kit shall be taken down to ISP Lab within 30 days of pick-up.
  • Anonymous kits will be stored by law enforcement in a secure location and shall be destroyed after 365 days if the victim does not come forward.
• Addressing the back log of cases:
  • Every non-anonymous rape kit performed from January 1, 2008 – Present shall be tested, beginning with newest to oldest.
  • Any rape kit performed prior to January 1, 2008 shall be destroyed.
  • Survivors who had a rape kit performed prior to January 1, 2008 and would like their kit tested are instructed to contact Fair Haven-Lake County’s Rape Crisis Center before Monday, August 6, 2018 @ 219-218-2552 for assistance.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-untested-rape-kits-audit-st-1229-20171222-story.html