Bill > H241

This bill, titled the "SHIELD Act," aims to prevent child sexual abuse in schools and youth organizations. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring all schools and youth-serving organizations to adopt an abuse prevention policy, developed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Children and Families, respectively, which outlines a code of conduct for employees and students to prevent inappropriate behaviors. 2. Mandating biennial training for all school and youth organization employees on identifying, responding to, and reporting child sexual abuse, using evidence-based materials provided by the state departments. 3. Requiring schools and youth organizations to provide age-appropriate instruction to students and children on recognizing and reporting inappropriate behaviors, developing healthy relationships, and accessing resources to prevent and respond to sexual abuse. The bill aims to establish comprehensive policies, training, and education to protect minors in educational and youth-serving settings from sexual abuse and exploitation.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H241