The Protective Factor: Conversations that Inspire Hope & Healing

Episode 12: Teen Dating Violence Uncovered

A conversation between prevention consultants Meghan Souter and Heather Pajak at NJ Statewide Student Support Services in Morris and Sussex Counties on the topic of teen dating violence. National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/domestic-abuse-warning-signs [http://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/domestic-abuse-warning-signs] NJCEDV - NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence https://njcedv.org/ [https://njcedv.org/] JBWS - Serving Morris County 1-877-782-2873 https://jbws.org/ [https://jbws.org/] JBWS Dating Abuse Prevention Program (DAPP) 973-267-7520 DASI - Serving Sussex County 973-875-1211 24/7 hotline https://dasi.org [https://dasi.org] NJ4S Parent Academy - Monthly Series September through June Domestic Violence Awareness Month Session on 10/21/2025 at 6:00pm Learn More/Register: https://forms.office.com/r/09XtxtSdiV

Episode 11: Safe, Healthy, and Connected - A Chat with the NJ Department of Children and Families Commissioner

A conversation with Tracy Cappiccille, MA, LPC, Director of the NJ Statewide Student Support Services in Morris and Sussex Counties and Christine Norbut Beyer, MSW, Commissioner of the NJ Department of Children and Families.    For services in Morris and Sussex Counties: www.mhainspire.org/NJ4S [https://www.mhainspire.org/NJ4S] or email NJ4S@MHAinspire.org View more about the NJ4S program and services throughout the state, as well as virtual offerings available to all: https://nj4s.nj.gov/s/ [https://nj4s.nj.gov/s/]  If you don’t see NJ4S services available in your school, reach out to the Department of Children and Families: NJ4Sfeedback@dcf.nj.gov [NJ4Sfeedback@dcf.nj.gov]

Episode 10: Navigating the School Support Plan System in New Jersey’s Public Schools

A conversation with Emily Savino, Assistant Director of NJ4S Morris-Sussex at the Mental Health Association, and Liz Nissim, Ph.D., Clinical & School Psychologist at Psychological & Educational Consulting. Liz Nissim, Ph.D. www.psychedconsult.com [https://www.psychedconsult.com] Office of Special Education www.nj.gov/education/specialed [https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/] PRISE: Parental Rights in Special Education www.nj.gov/education/specialed/parents/ParentalRightsinSpecialEducation2023.pdf [https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/parents/ParentalRightsinSpecialEducation2023.pdf]

Episode 9: Two Helplines Everyone's Talking About

A conversation with Genaya Palmer, director of Suicide Prevention at the Mental Health Association and Patricia Behrens, M.S.W., C.P.R.P. Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator for 2ndFloor.   MHA Teen Connect Teen Connect FREE Peer Support Available Mon.-Fri. 5:00-10:00pm  Call 888-866-6054 | Text 973-791-5700 https://www.mhainspire.org/teen-connect-line [https://www.mhainspire.org/teen-connect-line]   https://stopteensuicide.mhainspire.org [https://stopteensuicide.mhainspire.org/]   https://youarenotalone.mhainspire.org [https://youarenotalone.mhainspire.org/]  https://www.mhainspire.org/teen-connect-line [https://www.mhainspire.org/teen-connect-line]    2NDFLOOR  FREE, anonymous, professional & confidential 24/7 support   Talk/Text 888-222-2228   www.2ndFloor.org [https://www.2ndfloor.org/]

Episode 8: Substance Use Support During the Holidays for Everyone

A conversation between Liz Williamson, director of the Substance Use Recovery & Empowerment Program at the Mental Health Association and Samar Caton LAC, LCADC Intern, Adolescent Clinician at High Focus Centers in Parsippany on substance use support for youth and adults during the holiday season. https://www.mhainspire.org/substance-use-disorder/ [https://www.mhainspire.org/substance-use-disorder/] https://www.highfocuscenters.com/