About Youth Advocate Services
Youth Advocate Services (YAS) is a nationally accredited, state-certified, 501(c)(3), non-profit child/family caring agency who has served thousands of children and families since 1978. For over 38 years, YAS has believed in the premise that all children, and especially those who are vulnerable or at-risk, should live in a family-centered, caring and nurturing home.
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YAS applies innovative thinking along with evidence-based practices to partner with children and families in order to identify and treat their needs. YAS incorporates a preventative philosophy into its model with the intention of strengthening children and families in their natural environment, while decreasing the need for more restrictive or out-of-home placements.
YAS is governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees, and maintains a multi-disciplinary professional staff that provides excellent services to our children and families. The agency is unique in that it provides year-round cultural, educational and recreational events and activities for the children and families it serves.
We offer a multitude of services in Franklin County and surrounding areas including Community-based Behavioral Health, Community Respite, Early Intervention, Foster-to-Adopt Support, Help Me Grow Home Visiting, Psychiatric Counseling and Psychotropic Medication Management, as well as Traditional and Therapeutic Foster Care. Our children and families benefit from the continuity of care structure and show greater recovery outcomes when they are able to get integrated services all from the same agency - often times from the same staff member.
Our Mission
To support children, youth and families to realize their potential, hopes and dreams.
Our Values
We believe:​
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In family.
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ALL children have the right to be in a safe, secure, family-centered environment.
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Sound, culturally competent, clinically relevant services should be available and easily accessible to children and families.
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Short term interventions we provide should focus on promotion of health, wellness, and self-sufficiency of families.
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It is important to ONLY use placement as a form of treatment for children and families.
Our Vision
In order to improve every life we serve, Youth Advocate Services dedicates itself to a culture that puts customer service and quality care above all else.