Every May, communities across our country celebrate National Foster Care Month as a time to acknowledge the essential role of foster care in supporting children and youth in need and honor America's foster families, who provide safe and nurturing temporary homes.

Language shapes perception. The words we use can empower or diminish others, reinforce stereotypes, or foster empathy. This is especially crucial in the foster care system, where youth are often labeled in ways that fail to honor their humanity and their potential for growth.

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month—a time to acknowledge the profound impact of childhood trauma and recognize the transformative power of kindness and compassion in the healing process.

Did you know that teachers and school personnel can become licensed foster parents for vulnerable children and youth? Because of your education, training, and experience with youth and families, you are uniquely positioned to…

U.S. District Judge Goodwin’s recent statement about West Virginia’s foster care system—calling out years of inaction, bureaucratic indifference, shocking neglect, and temporary fixes—is painfully accurate. There is plenty of blame to go around. Blame, however, leads nowhere. Instead, we must focus on real solutions, starting with…

The NYAP/Chance Program, a national program with roots in Jacksonville, has not only brought attention to the critical issues of human trafficking but has also provided much-needed resources and hope to those affected.

We’re proud to announce that National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) is included in this year’s renowned ranking of America’s Best Employers 2025 by Forbes, a well-known global media company focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle and noted for its lists and rankings of individuals, companies, and other notable figures. 

As a foster parent and now advocate in the social work field, I own my humanity, flaws and all. Learning through hard knocks tends to be a norm for anyone investing in children, whether they be a parent or professional.

National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the West Virginia First Foundation’s (WVFF) inaugural Opportunity Grant.

When it comes to child welfare, few issues are as critical—or as complex—as the decision to remove a child or youth from their home. At National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP), we believe keeping children and youth with their primary family members is essential to their long-term success and well-being.

The Housing Advocacy Program is designed to assist youth and families who are experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness by locating and securing safe, affordable, and stable housing.

6-year-old unaccompanied Maria, a child from Honduras, was referred to NYAP’S La Jornada program after her “alleged” parents were determined to not be her biological parents but were actually perpetrators of abuse and abor exploitation. Maria reported that she was a victim of sexual abuse by relatives, forced labor, and neglect by caregivers in her home country. Keep reading to learn more about Maria’s story.

Behavioral Health programming at NYAP is tailored to meet the unmet needs of children, youth and families with the aim of helping them live respectfully and productively in the communities they call home.

By placing people and organizational values at the core of our initiatives, NYAP has fostered a transformative culture that embraces innovation and growth.

There is a tremendous need for foster parents for young people in the LGBTQ+ community. NYAP will help you every step of the way. Open your home and your heart to help a young person who needs your love and support.

The Growing through Discovery and Action program was created through the use of several evidenced-based components of mental health treatment, founded insight on youth’s neurological development, by professionals credentialed in counseling and teaching elementary education.

“Teenagers are often the forgotten or ‘scariest’ group of children to foster. However, it's this group of kids that you can have meaningful conversations with, that you can watch them grow, mature and flourish.”

National Youth Advocate Program provides free professional development for many types of organizations on a variety of topics that can be provided in-person or virtually.