Faith's Law
North Shore School District 112 is committed to maintaining safe, professional and appropriate relationships between students and all District employees, contractors and volunteers.
Faith’s Law is named for prevention advocate and child sexual abuse survivor Faith Colson. Illinois enacted the law in two parts to strengthen protections against sexual misconduct in schools. The law defines sexual misconduct, requires schools to establish an employee code of professional conduct with clear staff-student boundaries, strengthens employment history reviews for positions involving direct contact with students and establishes notification requirements when allegations of sexual misconduct involve a student.
District Policies and Expectations
District 112’s expectations for employee conduct and professional relationships with students are outlined in Board Policy 5:120, Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest.
Faith’s Law requires employee conduct policies to address professional staff-student boundaries, reporting responsibilities and appropriate conduct involving student transportation, photos and videos, and contact with students outside an employee’s professional role.
Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide
The Illinois State Board of Education developed a resource guide for students, families and educators. It includes information about sexual abuse prevention and response, children’s advocacy centers, medical and mental health services, legal assistance and support for victims and their families.
Reporting a Concern
Concerns about possible misconduct involving a District employee, contractor or volunteer should be reported promptly to the student’s principal or the Superintendent’s Office.
If a child may be in immediate danger, call 911. Suspected child abuse or neglect may also be reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE, or 1-800-252-2873. Mandated reporters are required to contact DCFS immediately when they have reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused or neglected.