Initiated in January, 2003, and sponsored by The Turning Point, the SANE program is a unique, collaborative effort that serves all of Collin County. SANE stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. These registered nurses receive special training in conducting forensic examinations of sexual assault survivors. The information and evidence gathered during the SANE exam may be used during subsequent legal or criminal justice proceedings.

Organizations participating in the SANE program include: The Turning Point, 7 area hospitals, area police departments, Collin County Sheriff's and District Attorney's Offices, Collin County Children's Advocacy Center, and the Office of The Attorney General of Texas. The seven participating hospitals are Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen, Medical Center of Plano, Medical Center of McKinney, Baylor Regional Medical Center Plano, Baylor Frisco Medical Center, and Centennial Medical Center.

When a sexual assault survivor arrives at one of the participating hospitals, the SANE program is implemented as follows:

1. The hospital ER calls The Turning Point crisis advocate and law enforcement. By Texas law, the services of specially-trained crisis advocates are to be offered to survivors, to accompany them in the ER, to offer support and information, and to provide clothing to replace items kept as evidence. The ER physician performs an initial medical screening.
2. The crisis advocate determines if the survivor and law enforcement wish to authorize the SANE exam. The crisis advocate then notifies the SANE on-call, who performs the forensic examination. Later, the SANE will also testify in court, if needed.
3. For prepubescent children: For acute exam (incident occurred less than 96 hours ago), the child will be seen in a hospital ER that has a colposcope. For non-acute exams, the preliminary exam will be made by the ER physician and referral made to the Children's Advocacy Center for follow up.

The Turning Point sponsors periodic training through the Office of the Attorney General for SANE candidates. Registered nurses interested in applying may contact the Executive Director of The Turning Point for further information.

The Turning Point also offers training in SANE procedures to hospital Emergency Room staff. Contact the Executive Director for information on scheduling training. CEU’s may be arranged.