For 17 years the Youth Advocacy Project’s (YAP) mission has been to help Boston’s neediest children at some of the most challenging moments of their lives. In October 2009, the Youth Advocacy Project became the Youth Advocacy Department (YAD). With offices in Fall River, Haynnis, Lowell, Quincy, Roxbury, Salem, Somerville, Springfield and Worcester, YAD will lead, train, and support the entire Massachusetts juvenile defense bar. YAD’s over arching purpose will be to improve legal and life outcomes for youth by building the skills and capacity of their advocates. YAD assists children in delinquency proceedings with effective representation in court, educational advocacy, psychological assessments, and individualized referrals to community resources. YAD’s aim is to ensure that a clients’ involvement with YAD becomes their last encounter with the criminal justice system by addressing their many life needs beyond simply their immediate legal needs.
YAD works to ensure not simply case success, but life success for its clients. YAD is an important part of reducing crime and violence in children’s lives and in communities.