International Youth Advocate Foundation

International Youth Advocate Program History

Mubarak Awad founded the Ohio Youth Advocate Program (OYAP) during a time of critical need for alternative community-based services and after-care placements for youth being released from institutions. OYAP offered a sensitive and effective response to this well-defined need. Following closely behind OYAP, Mr. Awad launched the West Virginia Youth Advocate Program.

Mr. Awad founded the National Youth Advocacy Program (NYAP) to provide an umbrella structure for the Ohio and West Virginia programs and to coordinate financial and administrative services.

In 1990, NYAP offices were established in Washington , D.C., reflecting the sense that the initiative had the potential of becoming national in scope and increasing the opportunities for national advocacy for youth. Mr. Awad soon created affiliates in Indiana, Illinois, South Carolina, Georgia, and Kansas.

Mr. Awad launched the Youth Advocate Program International (YAP-I), advocating on behalf of children worldwide. Through its programs, publications, and advocacy, YAP-I promotes the rights and well-being of the world's youth, giving particular attention to the plight of troubled and needy youth and to those victimized by conflict, exploitation and state and personal violence.

In 2004, Mr. Awad founded the International Youth Advocate Foundation, once again widening his scope and increasing opportunities for youth advocacy the world over. The California Youth Advocate Program and CANEI - San Diego were created in 2004 to offer continued advocacy and support services for children, youth and families in the least restrictive setting.