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K-12 ADULT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT PREVENTION

IMPETUS FOR THIS GUIDANCE

In 2014, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report based on an extensive review of efforts taken by all 50 states and the District of Columbia to address adult sexual misconduct (ASM). The report examined

steps states and school districts had taken to help prevent ASM;
reporting requirements and approaches for investigating allegations; and
efforts of Federal agencies to address the problem.

GAO (2014) found that most states do not have a requirement for school personnel to receive awareness and prevention training on child sexual abuse or ASM. The GAO learned that many states wanted additional guidance and technical assistance from the Federal government. The report recommended increased efforts to inform Federal, state, and local initiatives about how to prevent and respond to ASM in schools.

Therefore, the U.S. Department of Education has developed this guidance to do the following:

The chapters that follow were developed through a process of research and review by consultant subject matter experts and a working group review process that involved Federal and non-Federal participants. It is intended as part of an ongoing, systemic effort to provide school districts across the country with the information and tools needed to address the problem of ASM.

Help ensure the safety and well-being of every child at school.
Help school officials, teachers, and parents understand the behaviors that are considered ASM and the effects of ASM on children.
Describe steps that can be taken by school and district administrators to prevent ASM, such as increased scrutiny in hiring practices and widespread training for school personnel.
Suggest ASM prevention measures in local codes of conduct.
Provide guidelines for reporting at the school, district, state, and/or local levels when ASM is suspected.
Create safe mechanisms for reporting and investigating possible cases.
Protect educators and other school staff members from false allegations by developing specific policies to prevent and address them.
Shed light on the role of social media, gaming applications, and the Internet in ASM, and suggest appropriate boundaries related to these technologies.
Provide information on additional Federal resources that address ASM.

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