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For Parents » Erin's Law/ Child Abuse Prevention

Erin's Law/ Child Abuse Prevention

In 2015, the Oregon legislature passed SB 856, also known as Erin’s Law. Erin’s Law requires that schools provide child abuse prevention instruction for students in kindergarten through 12th grade ​in all Oregon public schools.

SB 856 mandates that all Oregon Public Schools provide:

  • A minimum of 4 instructional sessions (equal to or greater than a standard class period) of sex abuse prevention instruction per year for grades kindergarten through 12.
  • Sexual abuse instruction that is integrated and part of required district comprehensive sexuality education plan and is aligned with state standards.
  • Instruction that is age appropriate, medically accurate, and is not shame or fear based.
  • Instruction that is culturally inclusive and is responsive to diverse students including race, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation.
  • A parental involvement component to inform parents about child sexual abuse topics.
  • A professional training component for administrators, teachers and other school personnel.
 

The purpose of the instruction is to provide students, in a supportive and caring environment, the tools needed for personal safety.  Please know that in accordance with OAR 581-022-1910, parents (and students 18 and older) can elect to “opt-out” of these specific learning activities by contacting their school principal in writing. If you have questions about these materials, please contact your school's office.

​​Resources

If you are looking for community resources regarding this topic, please see below.

Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC)

24 Hour Help Line: 503.640.5311

Office: 503.626.9100

CARES Northwest

Office: 503.276.9000

Domestic Violence Resource Center

Crisis line: 503.469.8620

Office: 503.640.5352