New law adds information on adoption into K-12 human growth & development programs
MADISON, WI…Legislation authored by Senator André Jacque (New Franken) to expand statewide instruction about adoption was signed into law today by Governor Tony Evers as Act 202.
School districts in Wisconsin were not previously required to provide human growth and development instruction to students in K-12. When a school district offered such classes, state law established certain content standards so that students receive accurate and meaningful information. Instruction on adoption was not previously required. Under Act 202, school districts are now required to provide age-appropriate instruction on adoption, as they must already do for Wisconsin’s Safe Haven for Newborns option.
“Providing instruction on adoption will give students a greater understanding of the full range of supports and options available to both parents and children in Wisconsin,” said Jacque. “Increased adoption education will help equip students with critical information about options available if they are someday faced with an unexpected pregnancy, and will hopefully generate an openness about considering adoption themselves down the road.”
This initiative passed both legislative chambers on voice votes. Representative Rob Summerfield (Bloomer) was the lead author in the Assembly.
Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door and Kewaunee Counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.
