Youth Advocate Programs Inc

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP) is a high-impact nonprofit organization dedicated to providing community-based alternatives to youth incarceration, congregate placements, and neighborhood violence. Founded in 1975, YAP operates on a national level, with employees in urban, rural, and suburban communities across 35 states and the District of Columbia.

Mission:

YAP's mission is to divert investments from facilities to communities, creating continuums of care that cater to the unique needs of each individual. Through the YAPWrap model, the organization offers intensive, personalized support to young people, adults, and their families directly within their communities—where they live, learn, work, and play.

Services:

YAP's unique wraparound services model addresses some of society’s most complex challenges by reducing crime and recidivism. The organization’s neighborhood-based staff work individually with youth and families, providing tools to overcome economic, educational, and emotional challenges. These services incorporate accountability, restorative justice, respect for victims' rights, and community reinvestment, ensuring program participants are prepared for success even after services conclude.

Impact:

Research confirms that YAP is making a positive difference in the lives of young people, families, and the systems that support them. By partnering with youth justice, child welfare, behavioral health, education, and other public systems, YAP delivers community-based rehabilitative and behavioral health services proven to reduce recidivism, keep communities safe, and save taxpayer dollars.

Community Engagement:

YAP's neighborhood-based Advocates are paid staff members trained to connect program participants and their families with the necessary tools to set their lives on a positive trajectory. The organization also engages in public policy work to promote fair and just treatment for youth and families, regardless of background. YAP's blog features stories from families, advocates, and practitioners on the front lines of youth justice, child welfare, and social services systems reform.

Commitment to Equality:

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is committed to equal employment and program opportunities, ensuring a work and program environment free of discrimination and harassment. Decisions at YAP are based on business and program needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics, or disability unrelated to job performance.