Instead of Incarceration, Karemma Got an Advocate and Turned Her Life Around

    YAP Advocate Ms. Tawaina with former program participant Karemma

    Karemma, a former program participant with Philadelphia Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc., wants people to know that she’s living proof that there are effective alternatives to youth incarceration. YAP is a national nonprofit in 33 states and the District of Columbia that provides community-based services as an effective and more racially equitable alternative to incarcerating or placing youth in congregate residential care. At a recent Philadelphia meet-and-greet, Karemma shared her story with Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Administrator Liz Ryan.

    Karemma shared her story with Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Administrator Liz Ryan

    Later, she and her former YAP Advocate, Ms. Tawaina, met with theneighborhoodadvocate.org for a video interview. Learn more about YAP at YAPInc.org and follow the nonprofit on Twitter @YAPInc.