Bill > HB3613

This bill amends the School Code and the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act to require school districts to develop more comprehensive policies and educational programs addressing child abuse and neglect. Specifically, school boards must adopt and implement, by July 1, 2025, a policy that includes an age-appropriate curriculum for students from pre-K through 12th grade about sexual and physical abuse and neglect. The policy must cover methods to increase awareness among school personnel, students, and parents about abuse warning signs, grooming behaviors, and reporting mechanisms. It mandates evidence-informed training for school personnel on recognizing, reporting, and responding to child abuse and neglect, including when such abuse is committed by a member of the school community. The bill also requires that the comprehensive health education program include physical abuse or neglect awareness and prevention education in all grades from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. These changes aim to provide students, educators, and parents with better tools to prevent, recognize, and respond to child abuse and neglect, ultimately creating safer educational environments.

Education

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3613&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104