South Carolina Youth Advocate Program

We believe that every youth has the right to a permanent home and family, and that the family and community are invaluable resources in the growth and development of each youth. We develop and support the use of community-based services as an alternative to the institutionalization of youth involved in the child welfare, juvenile justice, and/or mental health system, and we collaborate with the community and other agencies to provide individual and family services.

SCYAP provides a variety of services to children and families throughout South Carolina. Our largest service is to provide foster homes to children who need them. We serve both males and females, and we do not discriminate by race, color, religious creed, ancestry, gender, gender expression, national origin, sexual orientation, or the seriousness or complexity of disability or need. While we serve children in both regular and Therapeutic Foster Care, over 85% of our children are in Therapeutic Foster Care, which is a higher level of care. These children all have some degree of emotional or behavioral issues, most have been physically or sexually abused, and some have mental and/or physical disabilities. These youngsters face challenges every day, and many will need years of therapy in order to heal from the traumas they have suffered in their young lives. SCYAP works diligently with our children and youth to make sure they are in a safe and loving home environment, and to make sure they receive the treatments and therapies they need in order to heal and grow into their fullest potential.

Testimonials

SCYAP provides a Precious Cargo bag to each child when they enter our care, which are filled with basic hygiene items, school supplies, a blanket, and a stuffed animal. These bags provide some of their immediate needs, but they do so much more. They offer comfort on a day that can otherwise be overwhelming. One of our young boys, a nine-year-old, immediately took out the stuffed animal for a big hug. He held onto his new teddy bear all day-in the office, on the ride to his new foster home, and even once he made it to his new bedroom. He thanked his Treatment Coordinator for the bag and his new friend. He couldn't believe someone he didn't know cared enough about him to donate to help him.