Youth Advocate Programmes Ireland is a unique service providing intensive support of up to 15 hours a week to young people and families across Ireland using a strengths based, needs led, wraparound model which achieves positive outcomes for young people, families, communities and referral agencies. We employ 34 full time staff and up to 160 community based advocates at any one time to work directly with young people and families. The efficacy of the YAP Model was confirmed by external evidence informed research by NUI Maynooth in 2015, NUI Galway in 2019 and 2021. We have been a registered charity in Ireland since 2009 and are affiliated with the US based YAP Inc, who initially set up the programme in Ireland. The primary referrer is Tusla Child and Family Agency where young people are assessed as at risk of entering the care or custody system and who are struggling with a range of issues in their lives. We also work with young people referred by HSE Disability and Mental Health Services and the Irish Youth Justice Service. We provide independent advocacy services for CAMHS inpatient and community services as well as the private sector
Youth Advocate Programmes Ireland Vision is: A society where all Young People and Families are confident and connected to their communities.
Mission: We change the lives of Young People and Families in need of support by providing community based, strengths focused, inclusive, flexible services which improve their skills and capacity to meet their own goals.