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Helpful Resources

Speak Up Now – Prevention of Child Abuse (SUN)

Speak Up Now

A Collection of Child Abuse Prevention Resources by RESIG

The safety and well-being of our students is of utmost priority. By working together, we can create and maintain a secure environment where every child feels safe and protected.

Our Speak Up Now (SUN) resource collection has been specifically crafted and designed for school leaders to protect students from harm by implementing recommended policies and practices to prevent, recognize, and respond to instances of sexual abuse and/or misconduct.

Understanding Negligent Hiring: Preventing Sexual Abuse Through Comprehensive Screening Practices

All reports of inappropriate behavior must be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. For more information or to report a concern to RESIG, please contact Sandy Manzoni, Property & Liability Risk Manager at (707) 836-0779 Ext 106 | [email protected].

Prevent

Policy

Create an environment of high expectations for staff-student interactions with a policy regarding professional conduct that clearly outlines and communicates behaviors that reduce incidents of sexual misconduct.

CSBA Appropriate Adult-Student Interactions (BP 4119.24, 4219.24, 4319.24)

Districts may tailor CSBA’s sample board policy to communicate the governing board’s intention with respect to staff conduct as it relates to students.

Sample Policy

Districts may tailor this sample policy (.docx) for a clear and comprehensive overview of appropriate and inappropriate behavior.

Screening

Ensure thorough background checks and take reports of prior action seriously when hiring all credentialed and certificated school personnel, including temporary and substitute staff.

An additional level of screening is now available through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Ed ID Clearinghouse, a subscription-based resource for qualifying NASDTEC Associate Members. To learn more, submit the Local Education Agency form.

Training

Annual training ensures staff are aware of expectations, know how to recognize warning signs, and understand how they can help keep students safe. Whenever possible, training on this topic is best done in person or at least during a synchronous virtual training when staff can connect and reflect together with colleagues.

Recognize

 Identify the warning signs of potential sexual abuse and misconduct. The vast majority of student reports come in as vague and nonspecific; early interventions can prevent, or at least reduce harm.

Respond & Report

Know the first steps to take when suspected abuse or misconduct is reported. 

  •  SAM First Steps Checklist 

    It’s important to act quickly while ensuring all legal and contractual obligations are followed. Contact Sandy Manzoni [email protected] to access a checklist of important immediate steps for administrators.

  • SAM Fact-Finding Checklist 

    Sometimes more information is needed before you can determine whether or not a reported incident warrants taking further action. Contact Sandy Manzoni [email protected] to access a checklist of initial fact-finding steps for administrators. 

Respond

Contact Sandy Manzoni, RESIG Property and Liability Risk Manager at:

(707) 836-0779 Ext 106

[email protected]

to access communication toolkits and assistance with communications to your school community.

Communicate

Message Templates

While no two incidents are alike, some require communicating with the community. When incidents are a matter of public interest, administrators’ timely and thoughtful messaging can make a big difference in public perception and trust. Contact Sandy Manzoni [email protected] to access letter templates and sample public statements.

School Communications Information

Contact Sandy Manzoni, RESIG Property and Liability Risk Manager at:

(707) 836-0779 Ext 106

[email protected]

to access communication toolkits and assistance with communications to your school community.