Erin's Law

In 2013, Illinois passed Erin’s Law which requires all students, early childhood through 12th grade, to be taught to recognize child sexual abuse, equip them with skills to reduce their vulnerability, and encourage them to report abuse if it occurs.  A woman named Erin Merryn, who was a victim of child sexual abuse, initiated this mandate.  She noted that while she had been educated in school about stranger danger and other prevention programs, she was never taught what to do if someone touched her inappropriately.  

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Bullying Prevention and Response Plan

On June 28, 2010, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law Public Act 96-952, titled Prevent School Violence Act (PSVA). The PSVA amends the School Code’s bullying provision by explicitly prohibiting bullying in schools, comprehensively defines bullying behavior, as well as where and when it is prohibited, and expanding the reach of the bullying law to include all private, non-sectarian schools in Illinois.

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Concussions and Head Injuries

The Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act ((105 ILCS 5/22-80, added by P.A. 99-245, 99-486.) contains concussion safety directives for school boards and certain identified staff members. Its requirements apply beginning with the 2016-2017 school year.

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