Youth Justice Transformation in Action: Episode Summary

Podcast Title: Youth Justice Transformation in Action
Host/Author: RFK National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice
Episode Title: Changing Futures: How a Community Driven, Personalized Approach is Transforming Lives
Release Date: March 31, 2025

1. Introduction

Season four of the RFK National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice's podcast, Youth Justice Transformation in Action, kicks off with an insightful episode titled "Changing Futures: How a Community Driven, Personalized Approach is Transforming Lives." Hosted by Jody Martin, Deputy Executive Director, and John Toole, Executive Director, this episode features Gary Ivory, President and CEO of Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP). The conversation centers on YAP's transformative role in the youth justice system over the past five decades, emphasizing community-based alternatives to incarceration.

2. Guest Introduction and Background ([00:27] – [04:28])

John Toole warmly welcomes Gary Ivory, highlighting his extensive experience and dedication to youth justice. Gary shares his personal connection to the field, rooted in his upbringing in Pittsburgh, Texas, where he witnessed the impact of incarceration firsthand through his brothers’ experiences. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Austin College and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, focusing on public policy and ethics. Gary's pioneering work with juvenile street gangs and recognition from prestigious institutions underscore his commitment to developing community-based alternatives for serious juvenile offenders.

Notable Quote:

Gary Ivory ([04:28]): "For the past over three decades, I've been committed to helping create alternatives—community-based and home-based alternatives for the nation's young people."

3. Overview of Youth Advocate Programs (YAP) ([08:07] – [11:36])

Gary provides an overview of YAP, tracing its origins back to 1975 under the leadership of Tom Jeffers. YAP's mission is to develop, deliver, and advocate for safe and effective alternatives for high-risk youth, aiming to reduce the reliance on out-of-home care such as incarceration and residential treatment. The organization operates in 33 states, with global partnerships extending to Africa, Europe, and Central America. YAP's model, known as YAPRAP, integrates community-based advocacy with wraparound supportive services, emphasizing hiring individuals from the communities they serve to foster trust and understanding.

Notable Quote:

Gary Ivory ([08:35]): "Tom developed an advocate model, which is the same model we have today. We call it YAPRAP, a form of our advocate model combined with wraparound supportive services."

4. Evolution of the YAP Model ([12:20] – [16:27])

Gary discusses how YAP has evolved to meet current community and youth needs. Initially focused on keeping youth out of prison, YAP has expanded to include supported work programs that provide employment opportunities and reduce recidivism. Additionally, YAP has integrated cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) through the SPARKS model to address chronic stress and trauma. Programs like YAP Works offer labor market information and job placement assistance, while Community Violence Intervention (CVI) initiatives aim to reduce violence by employing life coaches to work with highly system-involved youth and adults.

Notable Quote:

Gary Ivory ([12:20]): "We have added elements like supported work, cognitive behavioral therapy, and community violence intervention to enhance our core YAPRAP model."

5. Individualized Services and Treatment ([18:28] – [24:03])

Gary emphasizes YAP's commitment to individualized treatment plans that empower youth and their families. Guided by principles such as a strength-based approach, cultural competence, and a team-oriented strategy, YAP ensures that each plan is co-owned by the youth and their caregivers. Tools like life domain charts help identify comprehensive needs across various life areas, enabling YAP to address both immediate and long-term requirements through flexible funding and strategic support.

Notable Quote:

Gary Ivory ([18:28]): "Our goal is to develop a plan that's going to work for that youth and that family. They have to co-own and co-author the plan."

6. Community Role and Engagement ([25:55] – [28:55])

Community partnership is a cornerstone of YAP's approach. Gary explains that YAP hires advocates from the very neighborhoods they serve, fostering trust and cultural understanding. Resource mapping and community linkage ensure that youth are connected to local institutions such as faith-based organizations and recreation centers. YAP also collaborates with small businesses to provide employment opportunities, reinforcing the organization's commitment to restorative justice and neighborhood revitalization.

Notable Quote:

Gary Ivory ([26:10]): "Partnering with community starts from day one. We hire people from the community to do the work, giving them opportunities they historically haven't had."

7. Success Outcomes ([29:17] – [35:51])

Gary shares impressive success metrics, citing a John Jay School of Criminal Justice study that found 92% of YAP participants remain in the community one year post-discharge, and 86% do not recidivate. These outcomes are attributed to YAP's intensive, personalized approach and its two-generation strategy, which simultaneously supports both youth and their caregivers. YAP's focus on economic mobility and community mobilization further contributes to these positive results.

Notable Quote:

Gary Ivory ([29:50]): "John Jay School of Criminal Justice found that 92% of our kids successfully remain in the community after they've been discharged."

8. Collaboration with Probation ([32:34] – [35:51])

Effective collaboration with probation agencies is crucial for YAP's success. Gary details how YAP works closely with probation officers to identify high-need youth, adjust supervision levels, and coordinate court appearances. This partnership allows YAP advocates to provide comprehensive support, reducing the burden on probation officers and ensuring that youth meet their legal obligations while receiving the necessary community-based assistance.

Notable Quote:

Gary Ivory ([32:47]): "Coordination, collaboration, and defining the roles of what the advocate is going to play... is just critical."

9. Challenges Faced by YAP ([37:33] – [40:18])

Despite its success, YAP faces several challenges. Gary highlights issues such as the "stacking" of services, where youth are overwhelmed with multiple court orders and obligations, often exacerbated by financial burdens. Additionally, some jurisdictions remain skeptical about community-based alternatives, preferring more punitive measures. Resource constraints, especially in urban and exurban areas, limit the availability of effective alternatives like YAP, hindering broader implementation of community-focused models.

Notable Quote:

Gary Ivory ([37:46]): "The biggest challenges we're seeing across the country are the beliefs about whether these kids can be released to the community without jeopardizing public safety."

10. Expansion Beyond the Justice System ([40:33] – [44:22])

YAP extends its services beyond the juvenile justice system to address overlapping issues in child welfare, behavioral health, and education. Gary explains that YAP adapts its model to support youth involved in child welfare cases, truancy issues, and those requiring mental health services. By addressing the multifaceted needs of youth across different systems, YAP ensures a holistic approach to justice transformation.

Notable Quote:

Gary Ivory ([41:08]): "We're trying to improve systems, we're trying to do systems change... we serve young people regardless of the system they're coming from."

11. Future of YAP ([45:11] – [46:56])

Looking ahead, Gary envisions YAP expanding its impact through national partnerships, capacity building, and policy advocacy. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, YAP aims to change more biographies by forming new collaborations and teaching its proven model to other organizations. Gary emphasizes the importance of sustaining these efforts amidst potential policy changes, such as Medicaid cuts, ensuring that community-based alternatives continue to thrive.

Notable Quote:

Gary Ivory ([45:11]): "We're focusing on expanding to impact as many systems as possible to change as many biographies."

12. Getting Involved with YAP ([47:26] – [47:50])

For communities interested in adopting YAP's model, Gary provides clear steps for engagement. Interested parties can reach out via email at givoryivor@yapinc.org, call 214-417-7614, or visit yapinc.org to access more information and resources. YAP welcomes partnerships and offers a responsive support system to facilitate the integration of their programs into new communities.

13. Final Thoughts and Closing ([48:17] – [51:39])

In his closing remarks, Gary emphasizes the importance of viewing young people as individuals with potential rather than merely as offenders. He advocates for minimizing unnecessary removals from the community and ensuring that when removals are necessary, youth are supported effectively upon return. Gary highlights the detrimental effects of transferring youth to adult courts and calls for a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment.

Notable Quotes:

Gary Ivory ([48:17]): "Young people have promise, they have strengths that we can leverage to keep them from being removed from the home."

Gary Ivory ([49:52]): "We need to change how we view young people and focus on how decisions can have long-term positive impacts on their lives."

John Toole concludes the episode by reaffirming his support for YAP and inviting listeners to engage with YAP at the upcoming national symposium in San Diego from June 18th to 20th. He commends Gary for his inspirational leadership and the impactful work of YAP, encouraging the youth justice community to learn from and collaborate with YAP to foster meaningful change.

Closing Statement by Jody Martin:

"We're excited to invite you to learn more about Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. and other innovative youth justice approaches from across the country at our national symposium in San Diego, June 18th through 20th."

Key Takeaways

• Community-Based Alternatives: YAP champions the use of community and home-based alternatives to incarceration, demonstrating significant success in reducing recidivism and keeping youth out of the justice system.
• Personalized Support: Individualized treatment plans that involve both youth and their families are central to YAP's approach, ensuring that interventions are tailored to each family's unique needs.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Effective collaboration with probation agencies and community stakeholders is essential for the success of YAP's programs.
• Challenges and Advocacy: YAP faces challenges such as resource constraints and systemic skepticism but continues to advocate for policy changes that support community-based justice transformation.
• Future Expansion: YAP aims to expand its impact through national partnerships, capacity building, and sustained policy advocacy, ensuring the longevity and scalability of its successful models.

For more information on Youth Justice Transformation in Action and to stay connected with the RFK National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice, visit rfknrcjj.org/podcast.