Erin's Law

What is Erin’s Law?

Erin’s Law, or Illinois Public Act 097-1147, requires public schools to provide child sexual abuse prevention education for children in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grades.

East Alton #13 utilizes staff from the Madison County Child Advocacy Center to provide this education to our students once per year. Presentations are grouped by age with the following developmentally appropriate concepts.

  • Distinguishing safe from unsafe touches. 

  • Safety rules at home and school. 

  • Saying “NO.” 

  • Safe/Unsafe Secrets. 

  • It’s not the child’s fault if someone touches him or her. 

  • Knowing when to talk to a trusted adult. 

  • Knowing how to set a boundary

Illinois law allows parents to opt their children from participating in an Erin’s Law presentation. Before providing this presentation, you will receive information on the date and a method to opt your child out if you desire.

For more information about the presentations, please click the links below. 

What can parents do to help students recognize and respond to unsafe situations?

Parents should be available and children should know that no topic is “off limits” for discussion with parents. Additionally, parents should:

  • Talk to children about touching safety, private areas, and secrets

  • Empower children to say “no”, even to non-sexual touches if it makes the child uncomfortable

  • Be aware of who their child is spending time with

  • Monitor their child’s use of technology, as well as watch and listen to children’s behavior

  • Reinforce and practice the concepts taught in the Erin's law presentations. See the handouts for the terminology used.

Who can I go to for more information?

Each school principal, social worker, or psychologist can provide you with additional information.

What happens if a child reports an unsafe situation to school personnel?

All school personnel are mandated reporters and will report all suspected unsafe situations to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.