About NYAP

The National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) has provided cost effective, community based services and support to children, youth and families since 1978. We offer flexible, creative, outcome based solutions to meet the unique needs of the communities we serve and the individual needs of the youth and families involved in our programs.

During the 30 years of NYAP’s existence, we have watched the child welfare community evolve from being almost singularly focused on working with children identified as abused, neglected, dependent or delinquent, to the philosophy we have embraced since 1978; that the primary focus must be holistically placed on preserving and unifying families and strengthening the communities they call home. This strongly validates the core values of NYAP’s founder in 1978 and of everyone associated with NYAP today.

Thanks to a broad continuum of care, we have the flexibility to tailor our services to meet the needs of the agencies we partner with and the children, and families we are privileged to serve.

NYAP’s revenue is generated by governmental contracts, which is represented by over 200 contracts for services at any given time. NYAP has consistently earned high marks from independent auditors for its stewardship of the program’s funds.

More About NYAP

NYAP currently serves youth and families in the following eight states:

§ Florida

§ Georgia

§ Illinois

§ Indiana

§ Ohio

§ South Carolina

§ West Virginia

§ California

Our History, Values and Philosophies

Where we have been, our History and our Values and Philosophies guide our organization and our daily practices. Please take a moment to read about the cornerstones of our foundation.

Our Mission

NYAP is an energetic instrument of compassion and change in the lives of children, youth, and families and the systems, structures and practices that affect them.

Our Values and Philosophies

NYAP’s employees, services, support efforts and actions are guided by the following organizational values and philosophies:

Children First NYAP has a non-negotiable commitment to doing what is best for children, youth and their families.
Individual Advocacy Every person should have an advocate who can promote his or her unique needs and celebrate his or her accomplishments. Advocacy for Change NYAP is a leader of positive change in the structures, systems and policies that impede the empowerment of children, youth and their families.
Empowerment NYAP has an abiding faith that every person has an innate ability to learn, grow and develop.
Diversity NYAP believes people are united by our humanity and enriched by our diversity.
Community NYAP believes that children and youth learn life lessons best in the communities they call home.
Social Inclusion NYAP creates safe environments where people can be themselves and explore their connectedness and their differences and find positive ways to learn and live with others in the greater community.
Innovation Our values lead NYAP to find creative ways to meet the distinct needs of each child, youth and family in our care while at the same time grounding all programs and services in the highest professional standards.
Peacemaking NYAP applies the principles of restorative justice and the power of reconciliation to instill a sense of community and a commitment to nonviolence.
Universal Rights of Children NYAP affirms and works to advance the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Click the following link to review the Universal Rights of the Child.