For many troubled kids, Youth Advocate Programs Inc. of Carbon-Monroe County Behavioral Health is their last chance before heading to a residential facility or even jail.
Deanna Moerer, assistant director of the program based in Kresgeville, said, "These are kids with special needs who have a mental-health diagnosis. These kids are at great risk for institutionalization of a few months to years."
The non-profit organization provides a community-based program for youths who have an Access One diagnosis, which includes autism, opposition defiant disorder, conduct disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and are at risk for compulsory care. The program, which is funded by Medical Assistance and runs on a $2.5 million budget, serves 220 clients ranging from infancy to age 21 in Monroe and Carbon counties.
Clients are usually identified at school or by a family physician and are referred to MH/MR, who then will send the youths on to YAP. Generally, most youths come from economically disadvantaged homes.
"We do behavior modification, individualized plans in the home and/or schools, day care. Wherever the child is at risk of being kicked out and being sent to a more restrictive center," Moerer said. "Research shows that community-based programs are far more effective than residential facilities. What we try to do is build natural supports in the community."
Youths are often paired with mentors who share interests. Program counselors also work with parents to communicate with the child, restructure the home life and consistently reinforce the agreed-upon rules.
"We support the parents and empower them to become a positive role model for their children. Many kids are from single-parent homes where the parent holds many jobs," Moerer said.
Many kids get into trouble when they are home alone and do not experiencing all that life has to offer. YAP tries to get kids involved with sports, Scouts, camps and other activities.
"Not only can they not afford the basic things that we take for granted, but they get discriminated because of their diagnosis," Moerer said. "The key is if you help mentor and foster their strengths and abilities, they will become positive community members and give back. If not, they become institutionalized or jailed, and the taxpayers pay for that."
YAP, which began in Harrisburg in 1975, serves kids in the United States and abroad. The local program employs five office staff and 115 counselors.
"What sets us apart is our unconditional caring and 'no eject, no reject,'" Moerer said. "When the toughest kids come to us, we will never eject or reject a child because of their reputation. We do our best efforts not to judge the parents. We will work with you and your child."
The idea is to change the future. "We help change children's and families' biographies," Moerer said. "It happens. It doesn't always, so we do lose some; but we save many."
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