A task force will create recommendations on how to implement the Alaska Safe Children’s Act for schools across the state.
Senator Peter Micciche co-sponsored the bill against sexual and dating violence known as Erin’s and Bree’s Law during the last legislative session.
Sen. Micciche(R-Soldotna): “The supporters of that bill, people that are involved in the fight against child sexual abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence in Alaska are happy. We believe that will provide some tools that ultimately some day knock us off the charts for being number one in the country for some pretty negative demographics when it comes to those social issues.”
Bree’s Law mandates education about teen dating violence be taught in middle and high schools in Alaska. Erin’s Law requires school districts teach elementary and secondary school student’s personal body safety information. The act also requires school staff be trained to recognize signs of child sexual abuse.
The ten member task force will work to provide recommendations for age-appropriate curriculum and training materials about suicide prevention, sexual abuse and prevention, and dating violence.
The recommendations are due by June 30, 2016.
The task force will hold its initial meeting on Tuesday, October 13, at the Anchorage Legislative Information Office.