YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM
Supporting young people leaving out-of-home care to connect with their communities and
lead successful lives.
Background
The Youth Advocate Program (YAP) originated in Pennsylvania, United States in 1975 as a family
support initiative for juvenile offenders returning to their community after spending time in correctional
institutions. Today YAP Inc. is one of the largest non-profit agencies in the United States working with
high-risk youth and their families in a strengths based, needs led advocacy model.
Life Without Barriers commenced trialling YAP in Sydney in 2014, with a focus on assisting young
people make a successful transition from residential care to leading successful lives in their
communities.
Building connections
These young people have experienced a range of inter-connected difficulties around their families,
peer group relationships, education, behaviour and community involvement.
Relationships between the Advocates and the people they support are developed around the needs
and aspirations of each young person. Advocates work intensively with individual young people and
their families for up to six months, focused on rebuilding relationships and helping them to develop
skills to participate in community life.
Transitioning into suitable living arrangements, with or without ‘drop-in’ support, is among assistance
that Advocates deliver. Practical assistance for young people and family members can also involve
getting a driver’s licence, securing employment, exploring further education options, learning how to
budget living expenses, developing knowledge and confidence to join a community group of interest
or re-connecting with the young person’s culture.
Outcomes
YAP is being independently evaluated. Interim outcomes have included:
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improved results in education, and school engagement
enhanced links to community
improvements in social behaviour
family restoration
transition to independence or semi-independence
Twenty one young people commenced the program. Fourteen have so far graduated and achieved
the goals they set when they entered the program. Five are due to graduate. The two young people
who finished the program with partially-met goals, both reported having improved relations with their
families.
Tailored support
Fifteen-year-old Justin (not his real name) has been in foster care since the age of 12. When his foster care
placement broke down he started living in an LWB Residential Service. Justin was matched with an Aboriginal
Advocate, who worked closely with the House Manager:
“The Advocate and I are on the same page. We talk to each other,” said the House Manager.
“This has helped me to build relationship with Justin’s mum because the Advocate brokered
the introduction. His mum originally saw me as a bit of a threat. Now though, his mum will talk
with me and this benefits Justin.”
The House Manager and the Advocate support each other to support Justin:
“If he has a bad day at school, I feel comfortable calling the Advocate. She talks to him,
encourages him, and makes a plan to support him.”
“We include Justin in open discussions. It helps him to feels like he belongs, without having people
talking about him.”
Justin’s mum is also getting the support she needs from YAP - mental health care, church and a women’s
group. Justin now sees his family regularly and is working towards restoration with his mum.
With tailored support from YAP, Justin is now flourishing and is looking forward to a bright future. He is captain
of his AFL footy team and because he’s a talented player he often gets picked to play for teams in other footy
associations. Justin goes to a Sports High School and has progressed from not attending at all, to being at
school every week day.
Our advocates say:
“Our work is very case-by-case. For some young people or their families we source financial
management to assist with budgeting, or counselling to manage the changes within their family
environments.”
“We hook people up with local social groups through charities or church groups.”
“Helping young people establish a home when they leave care is vital. We’ve helped young people
understand the responsibilities of paying rent and utilities, but more than that, we’ve help them create
a comfortable home. We’ve certainly seen a lot of young people become more motivated to take up
other opportunities once this vital piece has been established.”