Circuit 13 Hillsborough • Circuit 10 (Hardee, Highlands & Polk Counties) • Florida
About our Program
Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP) has been serving youth and families in Hillsborough County since 2002. Building on that foundation, YAP now also proudly serves youth and families across Circuit 10 — Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties. Our programs focus on prevention, early intervention, and family support to help young people develop the skills they need to make positive decisions and succeed in school, at home, and in their communities. Through mentorship, evidence-based programming, and family-centered services, YAP helps youth build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop healthy coping skills.
Services Available - Circuit 10
YAP's Circuit 10 programming extends services to youth and families throughout the following counties: Hardee County | Highlands County | Polk County
Within Circuit 10, YAP provides the following services:
- SNAP® Under 12 — early intervention groups for youth ages 6–11
- SNAP® in Schools and Community — school- and community-based groups for youth ages 6–11
- SNAP® Youth Justice — groups for court-involved youth ages 12–17, delivered in coordination with DJJ and probation
Services Available - Circuit 13 Hillsborough
CINS/FINS PREVENTION SERVICES
The Children/Families in Need of Services (CINS/FINS) Community Counseling Program provides voluntary, family-centered intervention to youth and families who are experiencing conflict, truancy, ungovernable behavior, or other challenges that place youth at risk of entering the juvenile justice or dependency systems. Community Counseling is designed to strengthen families, resolve conflict and promote stability through counseling and case management services.
CINS/FINS Community Counseling Services Are Intended To:
- Prevent out-of-home placement and delinquency by resolving problems early
- Improve family relationships and communication
- Reduce school truancy, runaway incidents, and ungovernable behaviors
- Build coping, problem-solving, and decision-making skills for youth and families
Services provided:
- Detailed assessment of the youth's risks, needs, and strengths
- Individual, family, and group counseling delivered in the home, school, office, or community setting for 1-2 hour duration for 90 days
- Development and implementation of individualized service plans
- Case management and linkage to community resources and supports
- Structured curriculums such as PATTS (Peaceful Alternatives to Tough Situations) and Botvin LifeSkills
- Crisis intervention and coordination with schools, law enforcement, DJJ, and other child-serving systems
- Follow-up and aftercare services to ensure ongoing family stability
Eligibility
- The youth is between 6 and 17 years old
- The youth or family is experiencing behavioral problems, truancy, runaway, or ungovernable behavior that places the youth at risk of entering the CINS/FINS system
- The youth and family voluntarily agree to participate in services
- There is no current court-ordered supervision under Chapter 985 (delinquency) or Chapter 39 (dependency), and no open DCF investigation for abuse or neglect
STOP NOW AND PLAN (SNAP®) PROGRAMS
SNAP® (Stop Now and Plan) is an evidence-based cognitive-behavioral program developed by the Child Development Institute. The program teaches youth how to pause, think through situations, and make better choices when facing challenges. Through group sessions, discussions, role-playing, and interactive activities, youth learn skills such as:
- Managing emotions and anger
- Developing self-control
- Problem solving
- Handling peer pressure
- Building healthy relationships
Parents and caregivers are also involved to help reinforce these skills at home.
SNAP Programs Available - Ages & Group Duration
SNAP® Under 12
This program is designed for younger children who may be experiencing early behavioral challenges. Youth learn foundational skills such as emotional regulation, listening, problem solving, and positive communication. Parent involvement is a key part of the program to help families support positive behavior at home.
- Ages: 6–11
- Setting: Community / office
- Group Format: Boys & Girls groups + parents
- Minimum Group Size: 5 youth
- Session Length: Minimum 45 minutes
- Cycle Duration: 13 weeks
- Referral Source: CINS/FINS, school, community
SNAP® for Youth
SNAP for Youth supports adolescents who may be facing challenges related to decision-making, peer relationships, school behavior, or family conflict. The program helps teens develop self-control, accountability, and stronger problem-solving skills.
- Ages: 12–17
- Setting: Community / office
- Group Format: Boys & Girls groups
- Minimum Group Size: 5 youth
- Session Length: Minimum 45 minutes
- Cycle Duration: 13 weeks
- Referral Source: CINS/FINS, school, community
SNAP® Youth Justice
SNAP Youth Justice serves court-involved youth, including those currently under probation supervision. This program focuses on helping youth build better decision-making skills, manage conflict and emotions, and develop positive behaviors that support long-term success and reduce the likelihood of further system involvement.
- Ages: 12–17
- Setting: Court / justice setting
- Group Format: Boys & Girls groups
- Minimum Group Size: 5 youth
- Session Length: Minimum 45 minutes
- Cycle Duration: 13 weeks
- Referral Source: DJJ / Probation
SNAP® in Schools & Community
SNAP in Schools and Community provides services directly within schools and community settings, making it easier for youth to access support. The program focuses on improving behavior in school, strengthening peer relationships, and helping youth develop the skills needed to manage challenges in both school and everyday life.
- Ages: 6–11
- Setting: School classroom / community
- Group Format: Classroom-based group
- Minimum Group Size: 5 students
- Session Length: Minimum 45 minutes
- Cycle Duration: 13 weeks
- Referral Source: School administration
Through CINS/FINS and SNAP programs, Youth Advocate Programs helps youth and families build stronger relationships, improve school engagement, and develop the skills needed to create positive futures throughout Hillsborough County and Circuit 10 (Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties).