SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

ANN MARIE'S LAW- SUICIDE PREVENTION

stop suicide

Okaw Valley CUSD 302 supports suicide and depression awareness and prevention. In compliance with Ann Marie’s Law (P.A. 99­443), district staff receive yearly training on recognizing the signs of depression and suicide risk. Middle school students also participate in yearly programming to educate them about suicide prevention. Building counselors are also available to provide support to students and families with mental health concerns.

Resources for suicide and depression awareness and prevention:

erins law

Erin’s Law, or Illinois Public Act 097-­1147, requires public schools to provide child sexual abuse prevention education for children in pre­kindergarten through twelfth grades. OVMS began providing instruction in compliance with Erin’s Law during the 2015-­16 school year. Age­ appropriate instruction helps students recognize unsafe situations, keep themselves safe, and understand how to respond to unsafe situations. OVMS partners with social service agencies to work with each grade level and provide age­ appropriate information on topics such as: safe versus unsafe touching, the touching rule, secrets, and reporting. In middle school, the focus will shift to safe dating and self-advocacy.