What Is YAP VOICE?

The YAP "VOICE" is an agency-wide systems change initiative that has been adopted as one of YAP's major goals for 2008/2009! The philosophy of the YAP VOICE is to empower and support our young people, families and our staff to change human service systems so that they rely less on institutional care and rely more on supporting families, neighborhoods and communities. In early May, 2008, YAP convened 60 staff from around the country, as well as outside experts, to develop the beginnings of a strategic plan to change systems.

YAP VOICE is:

V-Vocalize: Speak out on the issues that are negatively impacting children, youth, families and adults with complex needs and become active in the policy-making process that addresses those issues.

O-Organize: Organize staff, advocacy groups, children, youth, adults and families and other stakeholders to influence policy at the state and local levels.

I-Inform: Inform the public on effective community-based solutions to juvenile crime, mental health, child abuse and neglect and other issues that are of public concern.

C-Collaborate: Form partnerships and coalitions with other organizations that support similar causes and share YAP's mission and core values.  

E-Empower: Empower YAP children, youth, families and partners to advocate on the behalf of themselves and others.