Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Act introduced, provides federal funding for Erin’s Law

Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-Mass) and Congressman Joe Heck (R-NV) introduced the Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Act July 15, legislation to protect children from sexual abuse.

The proposed legislation funds school programs that provide age-appropriate lessons to primary and secondary school students on how to recognize and safely report sexual abuse.

The Child Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention Act provides federal funding to develop, implement or expand these programs for students, teachers, and guardians.

The bill was inspired by childhood sexual abuse survivor Erin Merryn, after whom Erin’s Law was named. Thus far 26 states have passed Erin’s Law. Eighteen more states have proposed the law.