Wilmette Public Schools

Engage, Empower, Inspire

Policy 4:165

Operational Services

Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors

Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors

Child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors harm students, their parents/guardians, the District’s environment, its school communities, and the community at large, while diminishing a student’s ability to learn. The Board endeavors to increase awareness and knowledge of: (1) issues regarding child sexual abuse, (2) likely warning signs that a child may be a victim of sexual abuse, (3) grooming behaviors related to child sexual abuse and grooming, (4) how to report child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors, (5) appropriate relationships between District employees and students based upon State law, and (6) how to prevent child sexual abuse.

To address the Board’s intention to increase awareness and knowledge of these issues, prevent sexual abuse of children and define prohibited grooming behaviors, the Superintendent or designee shall implement an Awareness and Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors Program. The Program will:

1. Educate students with:


1. An age-appropriate and evidence-informed curriculum that includes methods for how to report child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors to law enforcement authorities and the Department of Children of Family Services (DCFS), through policy 6:60;


2. Information in policy 7:250, including information about: (i) District counseling options, assistance, and intervention for students who are victims of or affected by sexual abuse, and (ii) community-based Children’s Advocacy Centers and sexual assault crisis centers and how to access those serving the District; and


3. Information on how to prevent child abuse from happening that includes, but is not limited to, personal health and safety education pursuant to State law


2. Train District employees about child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors by January 31 of each school year in accordance with State law, with materials that include:


1. A definition of prohibited grooming behaviors and boundary violations;


2. Evidence-informed content on preventing, recognizing, reporting, and responding to child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors pursuant to policies 2:260, 2:265, 5:90, 5:100, and 5:120; and


3. How to report child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors pursuant to policies 2:260, 2:265, and 5:90, and/or to law enforcement authorities or DCFS.


3. Provide evidence-informed information to parents/guardians in student handbooks about the warning signs of child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and boundary violations, including:


1. Assistance, referral, or resource information, including on grooming behaviors, appropriate relationships between school personnel and students based on State law, and how to prevent child abuse;


2. Methods for how to report child sexual abuse and grooming behaviors to law enforcement authorities and/or DCFS; and


3. Available counseling and resources for children who are affected by sexual abuse, including both emotional and educational support for students affected by sexual abuse, so that the student can continue to succeed in school.


4. Provide parents/guardians of students in any of grades K through 8 with not less than five days’ written notice before commencing any class or course providing instruction in recognizing and avoiding sexual abuse, as well as the opportunity to object in writing.

Adopted: September 19, 2022