ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on Relationship Smarts PLUS, an evidence-based relationship skills curriculum for teenagers, and Love Notes: Making Relationships Work, its adaptation for older teens and young adults (16-24 years). Since Love Notes is developed for older youth, including young parents, it contains many of the same relationship concepts of Relationship Smarts PLUS, but has a stronger focus on sexual decision making and planning for sexual choices. Relationship Smarts PLUS and Love Notes are designed to build knowledge and skills for healthy relationships. Both represent a holistic and innovative approach to youth development, dating violence, and pregnancy prevention. Youth-focused relationship education can help address the patterns, attitudes, expectations, and behaviors that link to the rise in non-marital births among those in their 20s. The basic components of a youth-focused relationship program include: Knowing Yourself; Relationship Knowledge, Guides, and Assessment Frameworks; Research-based Communication and Conflict Management Skills; Linking Relationship Education to Sexual Decision making; and Looking at the big picture.
