Healthy Relationships

In a healthy relationship, partners speak up, respect each other, compromise, be supportive and respect each other’s privacy. If something is bothering you, it’s best to talk about it instead of holding it in and understand that your partner’s wishes and feelings have value, and so do yours. While disagreements are a normal part of relationships, it is important to find ways to respectfully disagree with one another and resolve conflict in a fair and rational way. Also, let your partner know when you need their support. Healthy relationships are about building each other up, not putting each other down.

Signs of an unhealthy relationship include jealousy, manipulation, isolation, sabotage, guilting and controlling behavior. While these signs individually may not mean your relationship is unhealthy, it is important to recognize if your boyfriend, girlfriend or partner is displaying extreme behavior that represents any of these warning signs or if their behavior is getting more extreme as this could be a sign of an abusive relationship.

If you believe you are in an unhealthy relationship, you can talk to your case worker or resource family to learn more about what to do and the services that may be available to you.

If you believe you are being sexually exploited, contact DCFS at (800) 540-4000 as soon as possible. Learn more about sexual exploitation and resources that are available to you.

Sexual Exploitation

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Child Protection Hotline

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Toll Free within California

(800) 540-4000

Outside of California

(213) 639-4500

TDD - Hearing Imparied

(800) 272-6699