Las Vegas, Nev. – Youth Advocate Programs (YAP™), Inc. of Clark County hosted a “Black and White Affair” for young adults who have been involved in the youth justice system or may have otherwise missed the prom and are working to turn their lives around.
YAP is a national nonprofit in 35 states and Washington, D.C., that provides trauma-informed services reducing the nation’s overreliance on youth incarceration, residential care, and group home foster placements. YAP partners with public systems to provide community-based wraparound and behavioral health services as an alternative to out-of-home placement. YAP Clark County program participants are referred through the court system and provided with neighborhood-based Advocates who connect them and their families to economic, educational and emotional tools to help set them up for success.
The “Black and White Affair” was YAP Clark County’s third annual prom for justice-involved youth, and was held on Friday, May 17 for current and former program participants to enjoy an evening of dressing in formal attire and having a good time with their peers. Prom attendees are either in school or finishing their education through nontraditional avenues. Some of the youths referred to YAP may have experienced some forms of trauma or violence. Program participants Neveah was crowned prom queen and Emmanuel was named prom king.
“I’m elated that we were able to host the prom again this year for our program participants and staff who have spent so many hours connecting young people to resources that helps put their lives on a positive track,” said YAP Clark County Program Director Neosha Smith. “It provided an opportunity for youth to attend an event they may have otherwise missed. We love supporting our young people, who through our services, understand trauma and accountability, while having opportunities to see and nurture their strengths.”
Guided by the nonprofit’s “no-reject, no-eject” policy, YAP’s decades of service include working with many young people whose histories include serious offenses, multiple arrests, and lengthy out-of-home placements. John Jay College of Criminal Justice research found 86% of YAP’s youth justice participants remain arrest-free, and six – 12 months after completing the program, nearly 90% of the youth still lived in their communities with less than 5% of participants in secure placement.
Learn more about YAP at www.yapinc.org.