SB701.DOC

SECTION 1. While child sexual abuse statistics vary, most research studies show between seventeen and twenty-five per cent of girls and between seven and sixteen per cent of boys will experience sexual abuse before the age of eighteen. The emotional and physical pain suffered in childhood often results in depression, drug addiction, suicide, teenage pregnancy, and juvenile delinquency. Child sexual abuse crosses the boundaries of every economic level and ethnic and religious group.

The legislature finds that child sexual abuse must be addressed by increasing education and awareness, as well as empowering survivors of abuse.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of education to adopt and implement a policy addressing child sexual abuse and to establish a task force to investigate and create strategies for reducing child sexual abuse throughout Hawaii.

SECTION 2. The department of education shall adopt and implement a policy addressing sexual abuse of children that shall include but not limited to the following:

(1) Age-appropriate curriculum for students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade;

(2) Training for school teachers, staff, and personnel on child sexual abuse, including the warning signs of a child being abused and any necessary assistance, referral, or resource information;

(3) Educational information for parents or guardians provided in the school handbook; the warning signs of a child being abused and any necessary assistance, referral, or resource information;

(4) Available counseling and resources for students affected by sexual abuse; and

(5) Emotional and educational support for a child of abuse to continue to be successful in school.

SECTION 3. (a) There is established a task force on the prevention of sexual abuse of children that shall be administered by the department of education. The task force shall devise strategies for reducing child sexual abuse in Hawaii. In devising those strategies, the task force shall:

(1) Gather information concerning child sexual abuse throughout the State;

(2) Hold public meetings to receive or discuss reports and testimony from individuals, state and local agencies, community-based organizations, and other public and private organizations; and

(3) Create goals for state policy that would prevent child sexual abuse.

(b) Members of the task force shall be individuals who are actively involved in the fields of the prevention of child abuse and child welfare. The members of the task force shall be appointed by the superintendent of education and may consist of members of the following groups:

(1) The department of education's administration and school based behavioral health division;

(2) The department of human services' child welfare services;

(3) The department of human services' office of youth services;

(4) The department of health's child and adolescent mental health division;

(5) The Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children's sex abuse treatment center;

(6) Hawaii social services;

(7) Hawaii Youth Services Network;

(8) Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii;

(9) Hawaii Children's Trust Fund;

(10) Hawaii Families as Allies;

(11) Family court;

(12) Law enforcement;

(13) School boards; and

(14) Active teachers employed in Hawaii.

The task force shall select a chairperson from among its members.

(c) Members of the task force shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

(d) The task force on the prevention of sexual abuse of children shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2015 detailing its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation for reducing child sexual assault.

(e) The task force on the prevention of sexual abuse of children shall be dissolved on June 30, 2015.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	701
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII