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 At this moment, approximately 300 at-risk girls between the ages of 14-18 are awaiting placement outside the home. Designated by welfare services as unable to remain in their current living conditions as a result of serious physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse; the young women wait in limbo for a response to their indirect cries for help.
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Typically identified through excessive school absences- requisitely reported to Social Services- these girls often display self-destructive behavior, including substance abuse, eating disorders, running away from home, and/or suicide attempts. Once identified, the girls are removed from their home by court order- sometimes with the cooperation of their parents, and often, in spite of parental opposition.
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Jaffa Institute Responds: The Hostel for Girls At-Risk Girls
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 In December, 2006 the Jaffa Institute opened the Beit Ruth Hostel for At-Risk Girls; an ambitious initiative designed to support the unique needs of troubled teenage girls. The Hostel fills a distinct gap in the State's treatment for sexually, physically, and/or emotionally abused girls by providing a small group setting in an aesthetically pleasing and supportive environment while meeting physical needs such as food, clothing and healthcare.
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All Beit Ruth residents are between the ages of 14-18 and are selected from the State-run 600-occupancy Bet Sophia Residence for Young Women. Beit Ruth's program director, in cooperation with local social workers, selects at-risk girls who know they are capable of more, but do not yet have the strength of character to confidently pursue their passion.
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 Set in Rishon Lezion, the Hostel capitalizes on each young women's demonstrated ability to adapt, survive, and persevere and surrounds them with an environment of well-being that provides clear structure, professional guidance, and support. Each girl will live at the hostel for a minimum of one year in order to facilitate:
Personal Power: Develop girls' personal strengths so they become powerful advocates for themselves and others.
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Safety: Prevent girls' victimization and help the girls to transcend harmful conditions so they can live fulfilled lives.
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Awareness: Encourage girls to develop critical thinking, knowledge and skills so they can recognize good choices.
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Adult Guidance and Support: Ensure that girls experience positive relationships with supportive adults so girls are inspired to become strong women.
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 Program Director Ronit Lev-Ari, who served as the Israeli Government's foremost authority on women's issues under two prime ministers, developed Beit Ruth from a synthesis of her professional experience and changing trends in female juvenile transgression in Israel. Since the girls who are brought to Beit Ruth come from families who face many challenges, a program that is well organized and efficiently managed is vital to create a positive, stabilizing force.
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Beit Ruth Campus for Girls - The construction and operation of a residential educational center for at-risk girls is in its final stages of planning. The residential facility will offer the highest quality junior and senior high school education in a warm, nurturing campus environment. The campus will house modern classrooms, science and computer laboratories, and recreational facilities including music and media rooms. The academic program will meet and exceed all Ministry of Education requirements as it ensures that the girls will receive all the tools necessary to transition into successful women.
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