Indiana § 20-19-3-11 - Development and implementation of child abuse and child sexual abuse education program

§ 20-19-3-11. Development and implementation of child abuse and child sexual abuse education program

Sec. 11. (a) The department, in collaboration with the department of child services and organizations that have expertise in child abuse, including child sexual abuse, shall identify or develop:

(1) research and evidence based model educational materials on child abuse and child sexual abuse; and

(2) a model for child abuse and child sexual abuse response policies and reporting procedures.

The model for child abuse and child sexual abuse response policies and reporting procedures described in subdivision (2) must include information on the duty to report suspected child abuse or neglect under IC 31-33-5. To identify or develop models under this subsection, the department may not hire additional staff members or expend funds not already included in the department's budget.

(b) Not later than July 1, 2018, the department shall make the models developed or identified under this section available to assist schools with the implementation of:

(1) child abuse and child sexual abuse education programs in kindergarten through grade 12 as provided in IC 20-30-5-5.7; and

(2) child abuse and child sexual abuse response and reporting policies.

(c) The model educational materials on child abuse and child sexual abuse identified or developed under subsection (a) may include the following topics:

(1) Warning signs of a child who is being abused or sexually abused.

(2) The basic principles of child abuse and child sexual abuse prevention.

(3) Methods of student, teacher, and parental education and outreach.

(d) The model child abuse and child sexual abuse response and reporting policies referred to in subsection (b) may include the following topics:

(1) Actions that a child who is a victim of abuse or sexual abuse may take to obtain assistance.

(2) Interventions.

(3) Counseling options.

(4) Educational support available for a child who is a victim of abuse or sexual abuse to enable the child to continue to be successful in school.

(5) Reporting procedures.

(e) A school that chooses to use the model educational materials developed under subsection (a) shall inform the parents of students in the grade levels in which the materials could be used, in writing and by posting on the school's website, that a parent may:

(1) examine and review the model educational materials before the materials are taught; and

(2) decide if the parent's child will be instructed with the model educational materials.

(f) If a parent decides that the parent's child may be taught using the model educational materials, the parent shall notify the school of the parent's decision in writing or electronically.

As added by P.L.46-2012, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.13-2013, SEC.54; P.L.115-2017, SEC.2; P.L.23-2026, SEC.161.