How the South Carolina Youth Advocate Program Provides Support, Stability & Hope
Families across South Carolina face a wide range of challenges – from behavioral and emotional struggles to unexpected crises and the need for safe, supportive care. The South Carolina Youth Advocate Program (SCYAP) is dedicated to ensuring that children, teens, and families have access to the resources, guidance, and services they need to thrive.
Whether you are a parent seeking support, a caregiver needing guidance, or a community member interested in helping children in need, SCYAP offers a comprehensive network of programs designed to strengthen families and create lasting positive change.
Who We Are: Supporting Children & Families Statewide
SCYAP is a nonprofit organization with over 30 years of experience serving children and families across South Carolina. Our mission is to provide high-quality, community-based services that promote safety, stability, and long-term success.
We believe that children grow best in supportive, nurturing environments – and we are committed to helping families build those environments with the right tools and resources.
Foster Care Programs: Safe Homes for Children in Need
One of SCYAP’s core programs is therapeutic foster care, which provides children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect with a supportive, family-based home. Foster parents receive extensive training and ongoing support to help children heal and grow.
Our foster care services include:
- Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC)
- Foster Parent Training & Licensing
- 24/7 support for foster families
- Child and family advocacy
SCYAP also offers a growing video library and FAQ webpage to help answer common foster care questions and inspire prospective foster parents considering the journey.
Family Support Services: Helping Families Stay Together
SCYAP is committed to offering resources that help families overcome difficulties and remain safely together whenever possible.
Support programs include:
- Family preservation services
- In-home therapy
- Wraparound services for children with emotional or behavioral needs
- Case management and advocacy
- Skill-building for children and youth
Our trained staff partner with parents to develop personalized plans that focus on safety, stability, and long-term success.
Community-Based and Mental Health Support
Many families face emotional or behavioral challenges that can affect school, home life, and relationships. SCYAP offers community-based and mental health support to help children and teens with these needs in a way that keeps them connected to their families and communities.
Behavioral health services may include:
- Individual and family counseling
- Crisis intervention and safety planning
- Life skills training
- School-based mental health services
- Customized service planning
These services empower children to build resilience, regulate emotions, and develop healthy relationships.
Why Families Choose SCYAP
Families turn to SCYAP for our:
- Compassionate, trauma-informed approach
- Comprehensive statewide support network
- Commitment to keeping children safe and stable
- Collaborative partnerships with schools, agencies, and communities
- Experienced professionals dedicated to meaningful change
SCYAP focuses on whole-family success – not just short-term solutions.
How SCYAP Helps Families Facing Challenges
Whether a family is experiencing behavioral issues, a crisis, or the need for temporary foster care support, SCYAP provides practical solutions and continuous guidance.
We help families:
- Access vital resources
- Navigate complex systems
- Understand behavioral and emotional needs
- Build stronger communication
- Create safer home environments
- Strengthen long-term stability
No challenge is too big or too small – if a family needs help, SCYAP is here.
Get Involved: You Can Make a Difference
SCYAP’s impact is made possible by dedicated foster parents, community partners, and caring supporters across the state. If you’re interested in supporting vulnerable children, there are many ways to help:
- Become a foster parent
- Work on a part-time basis in your community
- Donate to support children and family programs and services
- Share SCYAP resources with your community
Every action helps create safer, stronger futures for South Carolina’s children.
Need Support? SCYAP Is Here for You
If your family is facing challenges, or if you want to learn more about fostering, behavioral support, or community resources, SCYAP is ready to help.
Together, we can make a positive difference for children, youth, and families across South Carolina. 💙