FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 06, 2025
Montana Office of Public Instruction Partners with Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation and Fight Child Abuse to Bring Student Safety Educational Materials to Schools Statewide.
HELENA, MT — The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation (BSCC) to bring their nationally recognized educational materials to schools across Montana. These free materials are designed to support children’s mental health, teach safe touch, and raise awareness about human trafficking and personal safety.
The BSCC materials provide educators with free tools to address critical issues that affect children’s well-being. By incorporating these resources into classrooms, Montana schools will be able to educate students on how to protect themselves, make safe choices, and recognize warning signs of exploitation, while also promoting social-emotional health and resilience.
John E. Thoresen, CEO of the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation said, “We are pleased to partner with Superintendent Hedalen and Montana schools to provide our resources to teachers and school counselors to help bring awareness and tools for child protection.” “The www.fightchildabuse.org website can be accessed by all to find additional material to equip parents and children with resources to help ensure every child's right to a normal, healthy and secure childhood.”
“Partnering with the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation is an important step in ensuring Montana students are equipped with the knowledge and tools to stay safe and healthy,” said Superintendent Susie Hedalen. “These materials help address crucial topics like mental health, personal boundaries, and human trafficking prevention, giving students the confidence to make safe decisions and empowering teachers to provide meaningful guidance in the classroom.”
Montana educators and administrators interested in implementing these materials can access resources and training through the OPI website: https://opi.mt.gov/Families-Students/Family-Student-Support/Human-Trafficking-Sexual-Abuse. This partnership underscores OPI’s commitment to student health, safety, and success across the state. OPI in partnership with the Sinatra Foundation will work throughout the school year to further integrate these resources into OPI’s professional development and family and educator outreach.
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Questions? Contact:
McKenna Gregg, Communications Director
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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