Drug dealers' assets to help kids hurt by crime

COEUR d’ALENE — They never planned to help some of the most vulnerable crime victims in North Idaho, but some drug dealers are doing that whether they like it or not.

Sheriff Ben Wolfinger presented a $23,000 check Thursday to Safe Passage, the Coeur d’Alene-based nonprofit that supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

The funds, from Kootenai County’s Drug Asset Forfeiture Account, will be used to help cover the operating costs of the Children’s Advocacy Center.

The nonprofit center, on the Kootenai Health campus in Coeur d’Alene, exists to help ease discomfort and stress for children and teens being evaluated for suspected abuse and questioned regarding possible crimes committed against them. Rather than having to visit the police station and talk to several officers and officials, the CAC provides a facility where kids can talk about sexual or physical abuse to a trained forensic interviewer in a less intimidating environment.

“I am glad that we can use forfeiture money to help keep this important resource in our community available to all law enforcement throughout the area in their efforts to investigate both physical and sexual abuse of children,” said Wolfinger, in a press release. “Since so much abuse occurs at the hands of people who use and abuse controlled substances, it seems only fitting that money from the Drug Asset Forfeiture Account helps to pay for the Center’s operating costs.”

The Asset Forfeiture Account consists of dollars seized as part of criminal and civil prosecutions against criminal enterprises such as drug distribution networks. These one-time funds cannot be used for personnel, but for other items, such as training, equipment and programs not covered by a department’s operating budget.

Chauntelle Lieske, executive director of Safe Passage, said having the funds for the center’s operating costs allows them to focus their other resources on supporting the families and survivors of domestic and family violence.

“It’s incredibly generous and helpful,” Lieske said. “It helps us heal them faster, to make it better for them.”

Safe Passage offers shelter, counseling, court advocacy a 24-hour help line and other services for survivors of family, relationship and sexual violence. The services are free and confidential.

To reach Safe Passage, call 208-664-9303. For more information, visit safepassageid.org.