Policy Papers

CSEC Education policy papers.

CSEC Education

This brief examines research and laws that address Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) prevention education, and recommends legislation, policy, and practice that should be implemented to improve CSEC prevention education efforts in US schools.Read More

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SEL and Racial Equity

This brief is a non-exhaustive investigation of social-emotional learning policy and how it can contribute to evidence-based, in-school equity strategies.

An addendum to this brief examines research-based prevention of interpersonal racism and how social-emotional learning policies and practices can contribute to such prevention. The addendum is available upon request. For a copy, please email jposamentier@cfchildren.org.

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State Efforts to Elevate SEL During the Pandemic

As states respond to the COVID-19 pandemic—and transition from school building closures to re-imagining a new academic year—and policymakers redefine what school looks like so learning is more equitable for all students, now is the time to rethink how we keep SEL front and center.Read More

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Politics May Not Impede SEL Development

Partisanship is not necessarily an impediment to passing state SEL standards. In this brief, we analyze the political affiliations of states that have adopted SEL K–12 standards and suggest next steps for policymakers as they approach SEL in other states.Read More

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Social-Emotional Learning and Preventing Youth Suicide

Suicide is one of the leading causes of premature death for youth today. We recommend that policymakers continue to expand support for youth suicide prevention efforts, including by offering funding for comprehensive prevention that includes SEL, with additional funding to evaluate its efficacy.Read More

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Funding Social-Emotional Learning at the State Level

Social-emotional learning (SEL) isn’t well supported at the state level. We recommend that states move toward incorporating SEL into core educational funding, and also that they narrow the scope of school climate and safety grants so SEL is one of fewer options to choose from and is therefore prioritized.Read More

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Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse

The effects of child sexual abuse and assault are traumatic, long-lasting, and costly. New policies that result in smart investments in prevention programs, research, and education are needed to ensure that our children are safe, healthy, and successful in school and have productive and rewarding futures.Read More

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