​At the National Center, we believe that protecting children isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a legal one. While many states have taken important steps to address abuse in schools, dangerous gaps still exist in our laws, systems, and oversight.

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To truly safeguard students, we must advocate for strong, survivor-informed policies that prevent abuse, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure transparency at every level of education.

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Below are key areas where we’ve identified the urgent need for legislative reform. Each recommendation is grounded in evidence, driven by survivor voices, and centered on what’s best for children.

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1. National Sex Offender Database Covering Educators

While the Adam Walsh Act creates a national sex offender registry, its application to educators and non–convicted boundary violators is limited.

 

We recommend legislation to:

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• Include non-conviction disciplinary actions for educators (e.g., license revocation).

• Ensure accessibility for parents and school districts.

• Promote real-time updates and transparency across all states.

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2. Universal Screening for Everyone Working with Children

 

Although the National Child Protection Act (1993) and Volunteers for Children Act attempted to enable national background checks, patchwork implementation remains a challenge.  

 

Recommended reforms include:

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• Federal mandate requiring fingerprint-based FBI checks (including all states, counties, sex offender, and child abuse registries) for all school employees and contractors (bus drivers, vendors, coaches, volunteers).

• Regular renewal every 3–5 years, similar to child-care regulations 

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3. Criminalizing Grooming and Non-Contact Educator Sexual Misconduct

 

State criminal laws often fall short—39 states plus D.C. have criminal statutes, but many exclude non-contact abuse and grooming behaviors.

 

Advocacy should focus on:

• Passing or updating grooming-specific statutes that cover verbal, digital, or behavioral boundary violations

• Ensuring educator-specific misconduct is included as a criminal offense, not just employee discipline.

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4. Mandatory, Age-Appropriate Prevention Education in Schools

 

Only 28 states plus D.C. currently mandate prevention education in schools

 

This should be expanded:

• Require comprehensive, evidence-based CSA/prevention training for students, educators, and staff nationwide.

• Include modules on grooming recognition, reporting processes, and boundary awareness.

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5. Model Legislation Requiring Educator Reporting and Licensing Action

 

Some states do not mandate administrative or licensing action for educator misconduct. Inspired by Canada and international models, we recommend:

• Laws granting licensure boards the authority to immediately suspend or publicly disclose complaints and findings.

• Policies to mandate reporting to these boards and the national offender database.

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Next Steps for Advocacy

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• Promote federal reform updating the Adam Walsh Act to include educator disciplinary actions.

• Push federal or state mandates for universal background checks for all school-affiliated individuals.

• Encourage states to adopt grooming and educator-specific misconduct criminalization.

• Expand required prevention education for all school stakeholders.

• Share model legislation with legislators and advocacy groups.