CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County judges set out to share a self-awareness program with local ninth-grade students nearly 12 years ago — and the program continues today.
Most recently, Cullman County District Court Judge Chad Floyd announced that he, Cullman County District Court Judge Rusty Turner, Cullman County Circuit Court Judge Emily Johnston and Cullman County Circuit Court Judge Greg Nicholas, will visit all freshmen classes in Cullman County to share a program that began over a decade ago regarding self-awareness, prevention of sexual abuse and building responsibility as a student.
“Judge Nicholas and Turner started this program approximately 12 years ago with the goal that every year in the fall, the judges visit all seven county high schools and share about Erin’s Law,” Floyd said. “A brief explanation of Erin’s Law is that age-appropriate information be provided to public school students concerning the issue of sexual abuse awareness and education — which is not an easy subject to discuss, but something that is necessary. We also take advantage of our time together to discuss how decisions that freshmen students make on a daily basis can have a lasting and lifelong impact.”
Floyd said the public school talks last about 45 minutes and multiple judges have taken part in helping prepare students for the future with this annual commitment.
“We cover sexual abuse and prevention, but we also discuss responsibility once you’re on the road, texting and driving, online/social media responsibility and more,” Floyd said.
Floyd said he and Johnston visited West Point, and that he and Turner visited Holly Pond. The judges have five schools remaining on the schedule. Of course, many of the students really enjoy visiting with Brooksie, the court facility dog. Brooksie resides with Johnston and is an invaluable member of the team in the Cullman County Court system.
Remaining school schedule: Sept. 12 – Vinemont, Sept. 19 – Cold Springs, Sept. 26 – Fairview, Oct. 3 – Hanceville and Oct. 17 – Good Hope.
According to the Alabama State Department of Education: “Alabama’s Erin’s Law mandates public schools to implement a child sexual abuse prevention program for students in pre-K through 12th grade, covering age-appropriate education on topics like ‘good touch/bad touch,’ identifying trusted adults, and understanding how to seek help. The program aims to prevent sexual abuse by providing children with the knowledge and resources to recognize and report potential abuse.”
