Bill > S316

This bill, titled the Comprehensive Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Education Act of 2015, mandates that starting in the 2015-2016 school year, all school districts, charter schools, non-public schools, state-operated or licensed educational programs, and youth-serving organizations must provide annual training to their employees and volunteers on preventing, identifying, and reporting child sexual abuse. This training will cover recognizing signs of offending behaviors in adults and children, responding to inappropriate behaviors among youth, supporting healthy development, establishing prevention policies like screening and codes of conduct, responding to disclosures of abuse, and understanding community resources. Employees will need to complete at least two hours of this training annually, with credit given for approved continuing education programs. Additionally, beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, these institutions must provide age-appropriate instruction to students on recognizing and reporting boundary-violating behaviors, developing healthy relationships, communicating concerns to trusted adults, and accessing resources for preventing and responding to sexual abuse. School boards, state agencies, and youth organization boards are required to use tested, research-based instructional materials and maintain records of training participation for at least three years, while also making information about these educational opportunities available to parents and the community.