Rep. Mark Takano Introduces Helping Schools Protect Our Children Act

Washington, DC –Earlier today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced the Helping Schools Protect Our Children Act, which would ensure that teachers receive the training they need to properly recognize signs of sexual abuse in children. The Helping Schools Protect Our Children Act is the companion to the Senate version, which was introduced by Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA). 

 

The Helping Schools Protect Our Children Act would expand Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to allow Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to provide training for teachers to better recognize signs of sexual abuse. 

 

According to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, an estimated 678,810 children were victims of child abuse and neglect in 2012 - 9.3% of which were victims of sexual abuse. Currently, 48 states mandate that teachers and other education professionals must report their suspicions of child maltreatment to the authorities, but few states also require teacher training to recognize sexual abuse. 

 

“Teachers and school personnel are likely to spend the most time with a child, outside of their immediate family members,” said Takano. “With that in mind, it is crucial that educators and administrators are trained to recognize signs of sexual abuse. The Helping Schools Protect Our Children Act does just that, as it expands Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to allow LEAs to provide training to recognize that a child could be a victim of sexual abuse. All children deserve to be in a safe environment, and giving teachers the tools to spot red flags could stop abuse that can scar for a lifetime.”