Compliance Analysis
Evaluation of new SB848 requirements for Private Schools
Highlighted Legislation
Legislation highlighted and annotated for easier navigation
What Is California SB848?
Safe Learning Environments Act Explained
California Senate Bill 848, also known as the Safe Learning Environments Act, expands child abuse prevention, screening and training requirements for Private Schools across the state. In addition, SB848 modifies the list of California 'mandated reporters' to include all Private School staff and faculty.Â
Need Information on CA AB506?
View our Analysis for AB506
SB848 Compliance Checklist
Significant topics Private Schools in California must address:
Policies and Procedures
Private Schools are required to adopt written policies on appropriate interactions and professional boundaries between students and school employees, volunteers, contractors and other students. New training requirements effective July 1, 2026.
Abuse Prevention Systems can help!
Abuse Prevention Services is working with schools across the country to design and implement effective Policies and Procedures to create student-safe environments.
Abuse Prevention Systems offers the following sample Policy forms for Private Schools:
> Core School Safety Policies & Procedures
> Supplemental Policies – Athletic Programs
> Supplemental Policies – Fine Arts Programs
> Comprehensive Student Safety Framework*-
Policies and Procedures Addendum
Training
Private Schools are required to provide annual sexual abuse training to all faculty and staff. The training must address reporting, abuse prevention on school grounds or in school-sponsored programs, and more. New training requirements effective July 1, 2026.
Abuse Prevention Systems can help!
Training requirements can be met through training provided by the California State Department of Social Services. Private Schools may also use an alternative training approved by the Private School’s liability insurance provider.
When approved by your Private School’s liability insurance carrier, Training provided by MinistrySafe can satisfy the new training obligation.
-
Training Addendum
Screening
SB848 establishes new screening requirements for Private Schools and those applying for employment at a Private School; some of those requirements include:
- Applicants must provide a list of every educational entity with which the applicant has been previously employed.
- A Private School must make an inquiry to every educational entity disclosed by the applicant as to whether the applicant was the subject of a misconduct complaint or investigation. When the Statewide Data System (SDS) is created, a Private School must also review the SDS for information related to the applicant.
- When a Private School on an applicant’s disclosure list is contacted, the Private School must disclose and provide information related to a substantiated allegation.
-
Screening Addendum
Mandatory Reporters
The list of the people in California required to make a report related to child abuse and neglect – ‘mandated reporters’ – is found in Penal Code Section 11165.7.
Effective January 1, 2026, Private School employees, volunteers, board members, and certain contractors in California are now listed as Mandated Reporters.
-
Mandatory Reporters Addendum
Fast Track Your Compliance
Join Abuse Prevention Services to address training and policy needs…and more!