FERN Forensic Examination and Response Network

08/28/2026

Supporting survivors doesn't always mean providing the direct services yourself. Sometimes it means recognizing where the gaps are, being willing to advocate, making connections, and helping open doors.

There are already people and organizations in our communities doing good work. The goal isn't to diminish those efforts—it's to ask, where are survivors still falling through the gaps, and what can each of us do to help fill them?

You don't have to have all the answers to make a difference. Sometimes being willing to listen, advocate, connect, and say, “How can I help?” is where change begins.

When we each fill a gap, we build a stronger response for survivors. 16:14 Revival Foundation,Inc Stand Up For Idaho

08/26/2026

08/24/2026

A lot of people worry they’ll have to relive every detail of what happened. That’s not how a forensic medical exam works.
We’ll ask questions that help guide your medical care and determine what evidence may be important, but you are always in control. You can take breaks, skip questions, or choose not to answer something. You never have to tell your entire story to receive compassionate, trauma-informed care.
Our goal is to care for you—not to interrogate you. You only need to share what’s necessary for your medical care and, and then if you choose evidence collection, that can be included.
If you have questions about assault, abuse, or forensic nursing, follow FERN. Your questions matter, and we’re here to help.

08/20/2026

Ready to Build Your Forensic Nursing Skills? Join us for our
Adult/Adolescent Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SANE/SAFE)
16-HR Clinical Skills Lab

Hands-On Training
Live Gynecological Training Assistants
Forensic Photography
Evidence Collection
Documentation
Trauma-Informed Care
16.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
16.00 ANCC
16.00 Continuing Education Credit.

Register Here: go.uidaho.edu/FERN

08/20/2026

💜 Reminder: Our Volunteer Advocate Skills Training continues tomorrow!

Join 16:14 Revival Foundation and FERN Forensic Examination and Response Network to learn how to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with compassion, safety, and confidence.

📅 Thursday, August 20
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 884 South Holmes, Idaho Falls

We look forward to seeing everyone there! If you’re ready to volunteer or have questions, call 208-541-4001. 💜

08/19/2026

The work of supporting survivors doesn't stop at the bedside or when someone finds safe housing. It also depends on the policies and resources that make those services possible. Thank you to Stand Up for Idaho for letting us share with you our mission.
In case you missed it you can watch Amanda and Angelica discuss the critical work our organizations do, the recent legislative challenges affecting victim services, and what those changes could mean for survivors and communities across Idaho.

Watch the recording here:

Amanda Cook is with the Forensic Examination Response Network (FERN) and Angelica Sandaval is with the 1614 Revival Foundation FERN is a team of specially trained nurses caring for people after violen

08/17/2026

“The answer surprises most people—it’s alcohol.
Most sexual assaults involving drugs actually involve alcohol, whether someone drank it voluntarily, was pressured to drink, or alcohol was combined with another substance.
While drugs like Rohypnol or GHB get a lot of attention, they’re much less common than alcohol.
If you suddenly feel much more intoxicated than you expected, become unusually sleepy, lose memories, or think something isn’t right, trust your instincts. Get to a safe place, seek medical care as soon as possible, and consider a medical forensic exam. Your health comes first, and you can receive care even if you’re not ready to report to law enforcement.”
“Have questions about assault, abuse, or forensic exams? Leave them in the comments or send us a message. Follow FERN for trusted answers from a forensic nurse.”

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08/14/2026

Behind every survivor we support is a team that supports each other. 💜

At FERN, our nurses don’t do this work alone. They lean on one another, encourage each other, and help keep the passion alive for the people who need them most.

They are skilled professionals, compassionate caregivers, and reliable humans who show up when it matters.

That’s what makes FERN more than a team — it makes us a community.