HiTOPS has always maintained and supported the philosophy that parents can and should be the primary sexuality educators of their own children. Research suggests that when parents have clear communication with their children about sexual health issues and values, children are more likely to postpone sexual involvement and seek adult help when making important health decisions.
While adolescents have legal rights to confidential care in NJ and they receive it at HiTOPS Health Center, the clinical staff at HiTOPS believe that it is in the best interest of youth and families to encourage young people to talk with their parents about important health issues. HiTOPS will assist their teenaged clients in talking with parents about any health issue that they are facing (unplanned pregnancy, becoming sexually active, eating disorders, depression, substance use, etc).
HiTOPS supports parents by providing educational programs on a wide variety of topics including talking with young children about sex, helping your child cope with bullying, raising teens self-esteem, supporting positive body image, and many others. HiTOPS staff also regularly answer parents' questions in phone conversations, emails, and during information sessions and HiTOPS programs. To find more topics visit our website www.hitops.org. To schedule a workshop, contact Elizabeth Walters, Director of Educational Programs, at 609-683-5155 ext. 218 or email elizabeth@hitops.org.
