Aleinu School Policies

The Aleinu Halachic Advisory Board assembled a task force to research the sensitive area of abuse within the Orthodox school system as well as to review literature pertaining to the methodology of prevention in schools. A formal School Conduct Policy and set of Behavioral Standards were developed, reviewed by parents, mechanchim, principals, psychologists and Rabbanim, to be implemented in all Los Angeles day schools. This policy, which can be designed to fit the individual needs and realities of each Yeshiva or day school, addresses the nature of appropriate contact between adults and children, children and children and adults and adults in our school system. The aim of the Aleinu School Conduct Policy and Behavioral Standards is to halt the incidence of victimization of children in our community. It is also intended to educate our parents, teachers and leaders about our communal responsibility to participate in helping upgrade the safety of our institutions. The policy has the approval of Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky, is being utilized by Yeshivos and Day Schools throughout the country and is currently part of the Aleinu Safety Kid Partners. 

Aleinu Mandated Assistance Policy

Substance use among Jewish youth has increased dramatically. In response, Aleinu Family Resource Center, the Bureau of Jewish Education and local high school principals, developed a comprehensive innovative substance use awareness and prevention program for all Orthodox high schools in Los Angeles. The Mandated Assistance Program (MAP) provides consultation, drug and alcohol assessments, and intervention services personally tailored to the situation. A treatment plan is developed in which the student is mandated to comply in order to remain in school. Compliance is monitored by Aleinu staff. Schools are provided with the written policy, the MAP flow-sheet, an introductory parent letter with a pre-consent signature form and teacher training as well as follow up and consultation for each referral. This program in now used in schools throughout the country. In a survey of previous program participants, 63% requested additional group discussions on alcohol and drug related topics.