Erin’s Law and Child Protection Initiatives in Ontario
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection (CCCP) is actively supporting Ontario school boards to ensure compliance with Erin’s Law (Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and Reporting), 2024. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to child protection across the province.
What is Erin’s Law?
Erin’s Law is a formalized amendment to the Ontario Education Act, designed to empower children, families, and educators with the knowledge to identify and prevent sexual abuse. The law mandates that school boards annually engage students, in a developmentally appropriate manner, on the topics of child sexual abuse prevention and reporting.
Canadian Centre for Child Protection (CCCP) Resources
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Canadian Centre for Child Protection provides essential resources and training programs to support school boards, staff, parents, and caregivers in fulfilling the mandates of Erin's Law.
For Parents and Caregivers:
Key Programs for Educators and Staff:
- Kids in the Know (KIK): An interactive safety education program (K-High School) that utilizes age-appropriate lessons to increase children's personal safety skills and reduce their risk of victimization both online and offline.
- Commit to Kids (C2K) Training: A program that helps child-serving organizations, including schools, reduce the risk of sexual abuse by providing training on healthy boundaries, recognizing grooming, and implementing effective reporting procedures.
SNCDSB Implementation and Staff Information
At the SNCDSB (Superior North Catholic District School Board), ensuring student safety is the utmost priority. The Board has worked closely with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (CCCP) for several years to ensure that staff have access to current and effective resources.
Access to Resources:
All personnel with an SNCDSB email address can access the "Kids in the Know" (K-8) resources and the "Commit to Kids" Training.
Contact Information:
For questions about the Board's diligent efforts in child safety, sexual abuse prevention, and effective reporting, please contact the Board Mental Health Lead at 807-825-2018.
Further information about Erin’s law can be found at https://www.erinslaw.org/ or in the provincial Your Child’s Education: a Parents Guide to our School System.