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YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM INTERNATIONAL, INC.

The Youth Advocate Program International, Inc. (YAP International) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It established its headquarters and advocacy center in Washington, DC in 1996. YAP International's mission is to promote and protect the rights and well-being of the world's youth, giving particular attention to children victimized by conflict, exploitation, and state and personal violence. 

YAP International works to prevent and eliminate the worst forms of child labor, the use of children in armed conflict, commercial sexual exploitation of children, and the practice of incarcerating children as adults. We help to protect and ensure rights and services for children affected by war, exploitation, homelessness, environmental threats, statelessness, discrimination, HIV/AIDS, and for refugee and internally-displaced children. We provide voice and visibility for vulnerable children everywhere and promote their participation and empowerment in building tomorrow's world. More...

Committee Participation

In order to do its work effectively YAP International seeks alliances and works through partnerships. It has served on numerous national and international child rights and protection committees. It also served as the coordinating agency for the US Campaign against the Sexual Exploitation of Children. More...

Direct Service Programs

While YAP International is primarily an advocacy organization, it believes that it is more effective when it is closely linked to practitioners providing direct services to at-risk youth and families. YAP International's founder, Mubarak Awad, also founded the National Youth Advocate Program that serves more than 2000 children and families as well as the California Youth Advocate Program where innovative youth violence prevention programs are in development.

Currently we are also exploring youth peacebuilding programs in a number of conflicted areas including Pakistan and Cyprus and among certain refugee communities in the United States and school-based interchanges and virtual classrooms focused on the environment and global commons.   More...

Resources, Consulting Services and Publications

YAP International staff and the members of its Board of Senior Advisors and Consultants bring decades of experience in youth and family services, peace-building, conflict resolution and youth advocacy. They are available to provide presentations, training, consultation and program development assistance to interested organizations and communities. For schools and teachers YAP International provides curriculum modules, and general information to anyone in need.

New Developments/ Organizational Links