As young people mature and develop new relationships outside their family, they will face new challenges and choices.  Those who develop successful healthy relationships will do so because they understand the importance of respect and trust in a relationship. 

Expect Respect is a unique and highly creative program aimed at making students aware of the growing incidence of teen dating violence, and teaching students how to identify an unhealthy relationship and how to get help if they or a friend is a victim or perpetrator. 

Students can also learn about the role that gender stereotypes play in encouraging abusive dating relationships, the physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual elements of dating violence, and the role of power and control in violent dating relationships. Our program provides services for all persons related to the educational experience, from students to school personnel to parents.

Educational Services
-One-time overviews for individual classes that are typically 40-50minutes in length.
-More in-depth coverage over several class periods or over an entire curriculum.
-Healthy Teen Relationships curriculum can be incorporated into any discipline, including health, English, physical education, or family living curricula.

Educational Opportunities For School Personnel
Professional training for educators in grades 8-12 addresses school-wide strategies for preventing bullying and dating violence.
Topics include:
-Incorporating information in the student curriculum
-Identifying and working with students who are involved in abusive relationships/friendships.

Educational Opportunities For Parents
JFSA professionals are available to speak with parents about healthy teen relationships, teen dating violence and bullying issues.

Topics include:
-Information presented in the student curriculum.
-Ways to initiate discussions with teens about dating relationships.
-How to help a son or daughter involved in an abusive relationship.

Facilitation Of Support Groups For Identified Teens
Family Violence Services professionals can support identified teens and the school by either facilitating small groups that help these students address violence in their relationships or by consulting with the school in this area.

Direct Services
Jewish Family Service Association’s broad array of services is available to the community. Family Violence Services and JFSA’s counseling services, as well as any other appropriate service, is available to families and/or individuals in need. Referrals to our agency are encouraged.

Community Collaboration
Family Violence Services and our Teen Outreach Program welcome will explore opportunities to work collaboratively in the schools and/or with local organizations to increase the impact of our mission.