The Role of YPAs in Residential Settings

Working in a youth residential setting presents unique challenges for Youth Peer Advocates (YPA) due to the environment and youth needs. Residential settings include but are not limited to Residential Treatment Facilities (RTF), Children’s Community Residences (CCR), inpatient hospital visits, and youth group homes. In this training, YPAs in residential settings and their supervisors gained valuable insight into the role, responsibilities, and expectation of a YPA in this setting. Further topics included how to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, establishing professional boundaries, YPA crisis intervention, and wellness strategies.