Erin's Law - Virtual Parent Information Session

UNION RIDGE SCHOOL District No. 86

4600 North Oak Park Ave.
Harwood Heights, Illinois 60706
Phone (708) 867-5822
Fax (708) 867-5826

Mrs. Julie Borner
Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This year your child will learn about Erin’s Law (SB-2842), a state mandated sexual abuse and prevention education program for students.

It is estimated that one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused by the time they are eighteen. It is also estimated that about 90 percent of the abusers are known to the child and include relatives, neighbors, babysitters, and family acquaintances. Erin’s Law now requires that all Illinois public schools educate students on safe touches and unsafe touches; safe secrets and unsafe secrets; and how to “get away and tell today.” Children will also learn how to recognize child sexual abuse, reduce their vulnerability and encourage them to report abuse. The curriculum will vary from grade to grade, however; it will be developmentally appropriate per grade level.

The topic will be discussed as part of the Health Class curriculum for grades 5th-8th grades. For grades K-4th grade, Union Ridge School has partnered with Gabi Vargas, Child and Adolescent Abuse Prevention Specialist at the Children’s Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County (CAC). The CAC provides counseling services, developmentally appropriate forensic interviews, court advocacy for children and their families, and sexual abuse prevention services.

Gabi Vargas will be presenting to your child’s classroom on the topic. Gabi Vargas will also be holding a virtual presentation for parents/guardians on 12/2/2021 @ 6:00pm. Information regarding that link for the session will be made available through the Union Ridge School webpage.

Overview of CAC services
Erin’s Law | Statistics (to support why teaching body safety is important)
Overview of URS body safety curriculum
Mandated Reporting | What to do if your child discloses to you
Ways to keep kids safe
Resources to support learning after Erin’s Law

Please contact your school administration if you have any questions or concerns about Erin’s Law.

Yours in education,

Julie Borner
Principal

Presentation

URS Body Safety parent education workshop