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. Winnetka Public Schools social workers and/or classroom/advisory teachers present this information to students in a child friendly and age appropriate manner.
A WPI Event was held in March of 2018 to discuss the program in more detail, and the video can be seen below.
If you would like further information on Erin’s Law, we encourage you to review resources below.
Elementary Schools
Building social workers and/or classroom teachers will teach personal safety skills to develop self awareness regarding safe touch/unsafe touch in a child friendly and age appropriate manner.The classroom teacher will be present during the presentation.
Key Vocabulary & Concepts
- Personal safety
- Definition of sexual abuse
- Boundaries/assertiveness
- Advocacy
- Support and resources
Materials
Kdg-2nd: Your Body Belongs to You by Cornelia Spelman
3rd-4th: Do you Have a Secret? by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos
The Skokie School
Building social workers/advisors will teach personal safety skills to develop self awareness regarding safe touch/unsafe touch. They will teach students to develop self advocacy skills and confidence to be in charge of their personal safety and to seek assistance from safe adults.
Key Vocabulary & Concepts
- Understanding of personal safety (i.e., fire, bus, evacuation, tornado drills and body safety)
- Safe and unsafe touch (something that makes you feel hurt, sad, confused, and upset on the inside and outside of our bodies)
- Definition of sexual abuse (6th grade only)
- Respect the boundaries of self and others
- Safe and unsafe secrets
- ”Recognize, Refuse, Report” using developmentally appropriate vocabulary
- No, Stop, Get Away, Tell, Tell again until someone listens
- Identifying safe adults in and outside of school
- Comfortable and uncomfortable feelings: follow your instincts/follow your gu
Carleton Washburne
Building social workers /advisors will educate students regarding sexual abuse by providing accurate information, education, resources, and support.
Key Vocabulary & Concepts
-
Personal safety
-
Definition of sexual abuse
-
Boundaries/assertiveness
-
Advocacy
-
Support and resources
Materials
Resources
District Policies
Parent Letter - Spring 2023 (elementary)
Opt-Out Form - Spring 2023 (elementary)