Theory of Change

THEORY  OF CHANGE- YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAMS INC. 

I don't think there is a specific problem that YAP is seeking to change, such as world hunger, but I suppose in a broader sense they are seeking to empower families in need and support the youth that fall victim to the system. Within the broad spectrum of what they do, they are also aiming to connect youth to their community in positive ways.  The audience that they primarily service are deep-end, multi-need, and cross system youth and families. YAP provides safe, cost effective services to youth and families in numerous systems including, child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health, developmental disabilities, education and adult systems. The entry point to reaching the key audience is through the system.  Here in RI, YAP has created a partnership with DCYF and the state is the ones who refer families and youth to YAP.  Youth Advocate Programs will take it upon themselves to contact the family, with the help of other support such as a DCYF worker or social worker, and see if the family is interested in the program.  More often than not, the family or youth always want to take part in YAP.  The steps that are then taken to make change start with getting to know the youth; their background, likes, dislikes, hobbies, medical or mental health needs.  From here service plans are created with YAP, the family, and youth.  We all work together to ensure the best treatment is being given to the youth.  The service plan is made up of both short term goals and long term goals.  The family advocate, my position, is the one who will work directly with the youth to steps in achieving whatever their goals may be.  I feel as though this service plan is very effective because there is constant follow up and many people around each youth supporting them in better their lives.  More importantly, its is effective because we put the power in the hands of the youth- they know that if any change is going to be made, it will be because they wanted it- not their social worker, not YAP....them!  The goals are measurable by seeing if they get completed or if steps are being taken to achieve them.  Daily reports are made every session and the Family Advocate must explain what they did that day with the youth and in what way did the activity connect back to their goals, we must also mention any progress they have made in behavior or attitudes.  With this information, my supervisors and DCYF are able to see the progress, if they feel as though the purpose of the service is being lost, we reconvene as a group and get back on track with either making changes to the service plan or by making changing to how we implement the service plan. The long term changes of YAP focus on less youth in juvenile detention and more effort and energy being put into workshops, interventions, and service plans that can help benefit youth.  YAP does not believe that juvenile detention is an effective or beneficial way to treat youth who have made mistakes.