Child Sexual Abuse Prevention

In 2024, The Policy Project Created a law that expands child sexual abuse prevention education to all K-6 students in Utah.

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Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Overview

Through efforts led by The Policy Project in 2024 (Utah Code 53G-9-207), $1.5 million in ongoing state funding is now available to support child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention education in Utah elementary schools. The goal is to ensure all students receive age-appropriate, evidence-based instruction from qualified providers.

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) oversees a statewide contract with a prevention education provider to deliver instruction in many schools. Districts and charter schools may select other approved providers and apply for USBE grants to meet local needs. Parents will be notified and able to review content in advance. LEAs must offer prevention resources for parents, ensure staff receive prevention training, and provide age-appropriate instruction that meets USBE standards.

CSA Prevention Toolkit

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is preventable, and prevention education is one of the most effective tools we have to keep children safe. Below are ways that parents and community members can empower themselves to advocate for CSA prevention education in schools to ensure that students have access to high-quality, evidence-based education.

General CSA Prevention Resources

  • CSA Prevention Information: General information about The Policy Project’s work to support CSA prevention education in schools.

  • USBE Child Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking (HT) Prevention: Overview of USBE’s role in overseeing CSA and HT prevention education in schools, as well as information on requirements and minimum standards for approved materials.

  • USBE-Approved Providers List: List of providers approved by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) to provide child sexual abuse and human trafficking prevention education for adults serving youth (school staff & educators), parents/guardians, and elementary students.

  • CSA Prevention FAQ: A list of frequently asked questions about child sexual abuse prevention education.

  • USBE Grant Funding Information: Details on how schools can access the $500,000 per year funding through USBE grants.

PROTECT Program Training for Prevention Educators

  • PROTECT Program Overview: Information about The Policy Project’s partnership with 3Strands Global Foundation to support CSA prevention education in Utah. Organizations serving youth can receive training to provide prevention education programs using USBE-approved training materials developed by 3Strands Global Foundation.

  • PROTECT Program Interest Form: Complete this form to get more information on FREE training for organizations serving youth on how to deliver child sexual abuse prevention programs.

COMING SOON - Additional parent and school resources on what to do if abuse occurs, mandatory reporting of abuse, how to navigate DCFS, how to talk to your child about body safety, and more!

Let us help you!

The Policy Project is here to support Utah’s Teen Centers. Please reach out with ideas, questions, or if you just want to connect! Contact lindsay@thepolicyproject.org.