Erin's Law
Erin’s Law (105 ILCS 5/10-23.13) requires all public schools in Illinois to provide age-appropriate sexual-abuse and assault prevention education for students in Pre-K through Grade 12, annual training for school personnel, and parent/guardian educational information.The law is named after Erin Merryn, a childhood sexual-assault survivor turned advocate. In short: the goal is to equip students and families with knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to sexual abuse, grooming, and boundary violations.
Grades K-4
Building social workers along with classroom teachers will administer three or four lessons from the Character Strong curriculum focusing on the following concepts:
Recognizing Risks
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Learn to distinguish between safe and unsafe situations.
Understanding Personal Boundaries
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Know what personal boundaries are, how to set them, and enforce them
Navigating Relationships
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Learn about healthy vs. unhealthy relationships.
Staying Safe Online (3rd and 4th grade only)
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Develop awareness of online safety issues
Grades 5-6
Advisory teachers and/or social workers will complete a lesson focusing on the following topics and terms:
- Personal safety
- Identifying safe adults in and outside of school
- "Recognize, Refuse, Report"
- Safe and unsafe secrets
- Advocacy
- Support and resources
- Definition of sexual abuse
Grades 7-8
Building social workers and advisors will educate students regarding sexual abuse by providing accurate information, education, resources, and support. Key vocabulary and concepts include:
- Personal safety
- Definition of sexual abuse
- Boundaries/assertiveness
- Advocacy
- Support and resources