U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) recently introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would authorize federal grants to eligible entities to increase evidence-based or informed training on sexual abuse prevention education and reporting to teachers and school employees, students, caregivers, and other adults who work with children.
The Jenna Quinn Law, H.R. 2455, which Rep. McCaul cosponsored on March 30 alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA), also would ensure grant recipients coordinate with local educational agencies to train students, professionals and volunteers who work with students on sexual abuse prevention, recognition, and reporting, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“In Texas, we’ve already seen how increased awareness and training can help caregivers and teachers identify and report instances of child abuse,” Rep. McCaul said. “It’s long past time we implemented the same strategy nationwide to help put a stop to this unspeakable evil, and I urge my colleagues to pass the Jenna Quinn Law without delay.”
H.R. 2455, which is named for child abuse survivor Jenna Quinn — a child abuse prevention advocate who led what is now known as Jenna’s Law in Texas — is a companion bill to the same-named S. 1147, also introduced on March 30 by U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).
After Texas legislators passed Jenna’s Law in 2009, a study found that educators reported child sexual abuse at a rate almost four times greater after training than during their pre-training career, according to information cited by the lawmakers.
“In Pennsylvania — and across the country — we’ve seen what happens when abuse goes unrecognized or unreported,” said Rep. Wild. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to take an important step in protecting the dignity of young children from abuse and neglect and alerting the proper authorities before it’s too late.”