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Research and Evidence-Based Instruction on Child Abuse and Child
Sexual Abuse
IC 20-30-5-5.7
Not later than December 15, 2018, and each December 15 thereafter, each public school, including a charter school
and accredited nonpublic school shall provide age appropriate and research and evidence-based instruction on
child abuse and child sexual abuse to students in kindergarten through grade 12. Instruction on child abuse and
child sexual abuse may be delivered by a school safety specialist, school counselor, or any other person with
training and expertise in the area of child abuse and child sexual abuse.
Below are a few examples of programs and curricula that have been shared as research-informed, promising,
research and evidence-based, or evidence-based. New programs will be added as they are determined to be
research and evidence-based.
Prevention and Instruction for Students:
Childhelp:
Speak Up, Be Safe
Overview: Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe is an evidence-based curriculum program with developmentally appropriate
lessons for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade to help students prevent, interrupt, and speak up about various types
of child abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, bullying, and cyberabuse.
Child Lures Prevention:
Think First, Stay Safe and Teen Lures TV Newscast
Overview: Research-based, evidence-based and PROVEN EFFECTIVE, the program offers age-appropriate curricula for
students from PreK-12th Grade to prevent molestation, sexual assault, online luring, harassment, sexting,
bullying/cyberbullying, identity theft, self-harm and more. Both curricula are Erin's Law-approved.
Monique Burr Foundation:
Child Safety Matters and Teen Safety Matters
Overview: MBF Child Safety Matters® and MBF Teen Safety Matters® are comprehensive, evidence-based curricula for
students in grades K-12. The program educates and empowers students and all relevant adults with information and
strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to bullying, cyberbullying, all types of abuse, and digital
abuse dangers. Grades 6-12 also covers sex trafficking and relationship abuse.
Play it Safe!
The Women’s Center of Tarrant County
Overview: Play it Safe!® is a personal safety curriculum. It is designed to teach children how to be safe from abuse.
Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, or neglect. There is a separate and specific presentation designed for each
grade Pre-K through 6th grade.
What Would I Do?
IPATH + IN Partners
Overview: What Would I Do? (WWID) is an evidence-based trafficking prevention and healthy relationship curriculum for
Indiana’s youth created by the IPATH Youth Committee. Three age-appropriate modules are available for presentation to
5th through 12th graders. The curriculum is presented by trained and certified facilitators in schools and community
groups, or anywhere youth are served.
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Education & Programs for Schools & School Employees:
ITVAP Human Trafficking Training for Educators
This training was created in collaboration with the Central Indiana Education Service Center and Indiana Trafficking
Victims Assistance Program. The online training meets the Indiana legislation for Human Trafficking training for
educators.
Stewards of Children Prevention Training
A 2-hour training that teaches adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. It integrates
commentary from sexual abuse survivors, experts in the field, and other concerned adults all providing practical
guidance for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse. It is available in both a facilitator-led and online model.
Stop it Now!
Circles of Safety
From 2 hour workshops to day-long trainings, live webinars and online on-demand learning, Circles of Safety brings
education and information together with confidence and skill building activities to prepare adults to speak up and
prevent sex abuse.
Zero Abuse Project
First Response Training
Protecting children from child abuse and maltreatment requires that everyone understand how to recognize, respond
and report any form of maltreatment a child may experience. FIRST response is often the single most important step in
effectively responding and reporting maltreatment.
Helpful Resources for Program Implementation:
Child Advocacy Centers
Locate your closest child advocacy center here to determine if they facilitate prevention education in your community. It
is recommended to use an outside, specially trained facilitator for implementing prevention education curriculum.
kNot Today
kNot Today offers free resources and consultation to help your school find the best curriculum for your students and
the closest facilitator in your area. Additionally, they have grant funding available to help cover program costs. Email
partner@knottoday.org to get started.
Prevent Child Abuse Indiana
Our mission is simple: To be the voice in Indiana for preventing child abuse in all its forms. We practice this mission by
raising awareness, serving as a resource for the community, advocating for preventive policies and programs, and
fostering a statewide network committed to child abuse prevention. Together with the support of our dedicated
volunteers, we’re working to stop child abuse before it begins.
State and Federal Funding
There is federal funding available to help with the cost of prevention education for both students and staff. For schools
that qualify for Title I funding, Title IV is available for student programming and Title II-a is available for professional
development.