THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

216

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ASSESS AND REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE WHETHER AND TO WHAT EXTENT EXISTING CURRICULUM AND TRAINING ALIGN WITH ERIN'S LAW.

 

 

 


     WHEREAS, Erin's Law was originally adopted in Illinois and, as of July 2019, has been adopted in thirty-seven states; and

 

     WHEREAS, Erin's Law requires public schools to implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program that teaches:

 

     (1)  Students age-appropriate techniques to recognize child sexual abuse and tell a trusted adult;

 

     (2)  School personnel about child sex abuse; and

 

     (3)  Parents and guardians about the warning signs of child sexual abuse, plus needed assistance, referral, or resource information to support sexually abused children and their families; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Department of Education currently provides curricula and training programs related to preventing, recognizing, and responding to instances of child sexual abuse; however, it is unclear on whether and to what extent the existing curriculum and programs align with the provisions of Erin's Law; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2022, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Education is requested to assess whether and to what extent the Department's existing child sexual abuse curriculum and training programs align with the provisions of Erin's Law; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to work with advocacy groups, including but not limited to The Sex Abuse Treatment Center and Parents And Children Together, in its assessment of its curriculum and training in comparison to the provisions of Erin's Law; and in preparing a report to the Legislature; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2023; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Interim Superintendent of Education.

 

 

 

Report Title: 

Department of Education; Erin's Law; Child Safety and Welfare; Sexual Abuse