Erin's Law
What Is Erin’s Law?
In 2015, the Oregon legislature passed SB 856, also known as Erin’s Law. Erin’s Law requires the development and adoption of child sexual abuse prevention programs 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.
Learn more about Erin's Law HERE. This resource also includes information related to parent guidance.
Senate Bill 856: Sex Abuse Prevention Instruction
In July of 2015, the Oregon Legislature passed SB 856 (Sex Abuse Prevention Instruction) which requires schools to provide child sexual abuse prevention instruction kindergarten through grade 12. Subsequently, the Oregon State Board of Education passed changes to administrative rule 581-022-1440 (Human Sexuality Education): “As part of the comprehensive plan of human sexuality instruction, each school district board shall adopt a child sexual abuse prevention instructional program for students in kindergarten through grade 12 (OAR 581-022-1440).”
ODE is thankful to those who participated in the Sex Abuse Prevention Advisory Group over the last year and excited to provide comprehensive guidance for school districts on implementing the new requirements of SB 856.
Who is affected?
As of school year 2015-16, all schools are required to implement sex abuse instruction in grades K-12.
What guidance and assistance will ODE provide?
The Oregon Department of Education formed a Sexual Abuse Prevention Advisory group to develop guidance on best practice instruction and implementation strategies and tips related to SB 856. The Advisory group developed grade specific topic guides, parent communication tips, and teacher and staff training guidance. In addition, the advisory group has provided information on trauma informed practice related to sexual violence and abuse. All guidance documents have gone through a revision process to make them trauma informed and more culturally inclusive and accessible.
Who Participated in the Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Advisory Group?
Agencies represented on the advisory group include:
- Impact Northwest, Communities for Safe Kids Program
- CARES Northwest (Child Abuse and Evaluation Services)
- The Kid’s Center, a child abuse intervention center
- Trauma-Informed Oregon
- The Oregon Network of Child Abuse Intervention Centers
- Multnomah County, Domestic and Sexual Violence Coordinating Office
- Oregon Health Authority, Adolescent and School Health Program
- Raphael House (Domestic Violence Agency)
- Jackson County Sexual Assault Resource Center
- Oregon Abuse Advocates and Survivors in Service
- Oregon Department of Education
- The Oregon Network of Child Abuse Intervention Centers
- Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force
Where can I access the documents?
ODE has posted guidance for implementation of SB 856 on our Sexuality Education Resources page: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=1773
What if I have additional questions?
ODE is happy to answer any questions you may have. In addition ODE may be able to provide technical assistance and or training specific to comprehensive sexuality education and sexual violence prevention. For questions and assistance please contact:
Ely Sanders, MPA
Sexual Health and School Health Specialist | Oregon Department of Education
Office of Learning | Student Services Unit
Office: 503-947-5904
ely.sanders@state.or.us
Rvsd 8/1/2016
