Empowering Youth: The Role of Reality Check at Claris Health
Explore how Claris Health’s Reality Check program delivers sexual and relational health education for youth, young adults and parents—promoting safe relationships, informed decision-making, and whole-person care in Los Angeles.
Growing up today means navigating a world full of rapid communication, social media, shifting values around relationships, and sometimes confusing messaging about identity and intimacy. When it comes to sexual and relational health, young people often face more questions than answers, and many parents feel uncertain about how to guide their children. That’s where Claris Health’s Reality Check program comes in delivering clear, compassionate and evidence-based education that meets youth and families where they are.
Why Sexual & Relational Health Education Matters
Misunderstandings about sex, dating, consent, and relationships can carry long-term consequences. Without education and support, young people may face increased risks of unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, unhealthy relationships, or emotional distress. By providing structured conversations around relationships, decision-making, media influence, and safer choices, we empower youth not just with information but with clarity and confidence.
Claris Health offers Reality Check presentations for youth and young adults (grades 5-12 and college age) and also for parents of youth and young adults, so that both generations can engage in meaningful dialogue.
What Reality Check Looks Like
Reality Check is more than a lecture—it’s an interactive, relational experience. Presented in schools, community groups, and virtual settings, the program covers topics such as:
- Understanding healthy relationships, boundaries, and communication
- Recognizing media messages, peer pressure, and social influences
- Decision-making around sexual health, consent, and future goals
- Parent-youth conversations: creating safe space for real talk and shared understanding
Claris Health describes the program under its education services:
“Sexual-health education (Reality Check): sexual and relational-health education presentations (Virtual or In-Person), assemblies, events, small group discussions, and mentoring opportunities that empower youth and young adults to critically navigate sexual decisions, healthy relationships, dating, and the media’s influence. Presentations are also offered … to parents of youth and young adults, discussing how parents can create safe relationships with their children to encourage conversations about difficult topics.”
How Claris Supports Youth & Families Through Reality Check
Claris Health integrates Reality Check into its broader mission of holistic, whole-person care. By engaging youth early, the organization helps shape long-term outcomes reducing risk, strengthening relationships, and fostering resilience. The program is available either free or on a suggested donation basis, making it accessible to schools and community groups irrespective of budget.
Furthermore, Claris offers additional support for families: parenting classes, material assistance, medical and sexual health services, and mental health counseling. The combination of education + support ensures that the learning from Reality Check doesn’t stand alone—it’s embedded within a caring community.
Benefits You Can’t See at First Glance
When youth participate in Reality Check, they often leave having much more than facts. They gain:
- Confidence to ask questions, set boundaries, and speak up
- Better understanding of how media and culture influence their lives
- Skills to discuss sexuality, relationships, and future goals with less fear
- Tools for parents to engage with their children meaningfully, not just as authority figures but as guides
And when parents engage, families experience change: more open communication, fewer secrets, more meaningful connections—and children who feel supported rather than judged.
How to Get Involved or Learn More
If you’re an educator, youth-group leader, parent, or young person who wants to bring Reality Check to your school or community, here’s how you can act:
- Visit the Education page at Claris Health here
- Reach out to liftoff a presentation or small-group discussion around sexual and relational health
- Connect with Claris about the full suite of services. For example, classes, mentorship and resources for youth, young adults and parents
A Message of Vision & Commitment
At Claris Health, we believe prevention isn’t just about avoiding negative outcomes—it’s about equipping individuals to flourish, choose wisely, and build healthy lives. Reality Check is one powerful way we bring that belief into action. By educating young people and supporting families, we lay the foundation for stronger communities and empowered lives.
When education is paired with care, the impact multiplies. That’s why we remain committed to offering accessible, relevant, and relational health education. Because your relationships matter. Your future matters. We’re here for you!
Check out the Reality Check program’s site here.
