Background:

January 2005 Guidelines for Sexual Health Information and Diseases Prevention (Guidelines).

The Guidelines were developed by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Department of Health in response to a bipartisan request from 41 state legislators. They provide a framework for medically and scientifically accurate sexual health education for Washington youth. The Guidelines list components of evidence-based and effective education programs. For younger youth, the Guidelines suggest developing healthy self-esteem, positive body image, good self-care, effective communication skills, respect for others, caring for family and friends, and a responsibility to communicate. As youth mature, the guidelines suggest awareness of health exams, abstinence, and contraception.

Sexual Health Education.

Public schools are not required to provide sexual health education, but those that do must assure that it is:

medically and scientifically accurate;
age-appropriate;
appropriate for students regardless of gender, race, disability status, or sexual orientation;
inclusive of information about abstinence and other methods of preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, though abstinence may not be taught to the exclusion of instruction on contraceptives and disease prevention; and
consistent with the Guidelines.

OSPI is required to develop and annually update a list of sexual health education curricula consistent with the guidelines. Public schools that offer sexual health education are encouraged to choose curriculum listed by OSPI, but may develop their own curriculum if it complies with the Guidelines.

OSPI is required to identify sexual health curricula used and report the results of their inquiry to the legislature every two years.

Sex Offenses (Chapter 9A.44 RCW).

The criminal code includes sexual offenses which are crimes whether or not the victim is a minor and some which are crimes because the victim is a minor.

Rape 1
Sexual intercourse by forcible compulsion when perpetrator uses a deadly weapon, kidnaps, inflicts serious physical injury, or feloniously enters building or vehicle.
Rape 2
Sexual intercourse by forcible compulsion under circumstances not constituting Rape 1, where the victim is incapable of consent, victim is a person with a developmental disability, perpetrator is health care provider, victim is resident of mental or chemical dependency facility, or victim is frail elder.
Rape 3
Sexual intercourse with clear lack of consent.
Rape of a Child 1
Sexual intercourse with a child who is less than 12 years old and
perpetrator is at least 24 months older.
Rape of a Child 2
Sexual intercourse with a child who is at least 12 years old, but less than
14, and the perpetrator is at least 36 months older.
Rape of a Child 3
Sexual intercourse with a child who is at least 14 years old but less than
16, and the perpetrator is at least 48 months older.
Child Molestation 1
Sexual contact with a child less than 12 years old, and the perpetrator is at least 36 months older.
Child Molestation 2
Sexual contact with a child who is at least 12 years old, but less than 14,
and perpetrator is at least 36 months older.
Child Molestation 3
Sexual contact with a child who is at least 14 years old, but less than 16,
and perpetrator is at least 48 months older.
Sexual Misconduct with a Minor 1
Sexual intercourse with a child who is at least 16 years old, but less than
18, and the perpetrator is at least 60 months older and abuses a supervisory position.
Sexual Misconduct with a Minor 2
Sexual contact with a child who is at least 16 years old, but less than 18,
and the perpetrator is at least 60 months older and abuses a supervisory position.
Indecent Liberties
Sexual contact by forcible compulsion with the victim is incapable of consent.

In addition to sentences following convictions or guilty pleas to these crimes, any adult or juvenile found to have committed a sex offense must register with the county sheriff for the county of the person's residence. There are also various other reporting requirements and potentially severe career consequences.

Educational Materials Regarding Sex Offenses, Sex Offenders, and Victims of Sexual Assault.

In 2006, the legislature required that the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (Coalition), in consultation with the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC), the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (WAPA), and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) develop education materials to inform parents and community members about:

the laws related to sex offenses;
how to recognize behaviors characteristic of sex offenses and sex offenders;
how to prevent victimization, particularly of young children;
how to take advantage of community resources for victims of sexual assault; and
other appropriate information.

Rape 1	Sexual intercourse by forcible compulsion when perpetrator uses a deadly weapon, kidnaps, inflicts serious physical injury, or feloniously enters building or vehicle.
Rape 2	Sexual intercourse by forcible compulsion under circumstances not constituting Rape 1, where the victim is incapable of consent, victim is a person with a developmental disability, perpetrator is health care provider, victim is resident of mental or chemical dependency facility, or victim is frail elder.
Rape 3	Sexual intercourse with clear lack of consent.
Rape of a Child 1	Sexual intercourse with a child who is less than 12 years old and perpetrator is at least 24 months older.
Rape of a Child 2	Sexual intercourse with a child who is at least 12 years old, but less than 14, and the perpetrator is at least 36 months older.
Rape of a Child 3	Sexual intercourse with a child who is at least 14 years old but less than 16, and the perpetrator is at least 48 months older.
Child Molestation 1	Sexual contact with a child less than 12 years old, and the perpetrator is at least 36 months older.
Child Molestation 2	Sexual contact with a child who is at least 12 years old, but less than 14, and perpetrator is at least 36 months older.
Child Molestation 3	Sexual contact with a child who is at least 14 years old, but less than 16, and perpetrator is at least 48 months older.
Sexual Misconduct with a Minor 1	Sexual intercourse with a child who is at least 16 years old, but less than 18, and the perpetrator is at least 60 months older and abuses a supervisory position.
Sexual Misconduct with a Minor 2	Sexual contact with a child who is at least 16 years old, but less than 18, and the perpetrator is at least 60 months older and abuses a supervisory position.
Indecent Liberties	Sexual contact by forcible compulsion with the victim is incapable of consent.