National Youth Advocate Program Kentucky

03/23/2026

Learn about available services: https://www.nyap.org/kentucky

03/21/2026

"The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed annually on 21 March, commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, when police in Sharpeville opened fire on a peaceful protest against apartheid pass laws, killing 69 people. Established by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness and encourage global action against racism, the observance reflects broader international efforts that have led to important progress, including the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa and the strengthening of global commitments to equality and non-discrimination, principles also affirmed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."

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Racial and ethnic discrimination occur on a daily basis, hindering progress for millions of people around the world. Racism and intolerance can take various forms — from denying individuals the basic principles of equality to fuelling ethnic hatred that may lead to genocide — all of which can de...

03/20/2026

"Youth in foster care are not 'Wards of the State,' 'Bad Kids,' or 'Foster Children.' They are children. We must stop using language like 'the foster kids' in meetings, reports, and emails. Person-first language allows us to see the individual first. Just as we say 'people experiencing homelessness' instead of 'homeless people,' we should say 'children in foster care' rather than 'foster children.' This shift is healing for foster care alumni and current youth alike."

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Language shapes perception. The words we use can empower or diminish others, reinforce stereotypes, or foster empathy. This is especially crucial in the foster care system, where youth are often labeled in ways that fail to honor their humanity and their potential for growth.

03/19/2026

"Rather than trying to step into the role of “parent,” foster caregivers for older teens often find that assuming the role of mentor, coach, or advocate may make an older youth feel respected while still giving them the stability and resources they need to heal and thrive."

Read Article: https://www.nyap.org/journal/older-teens-need-mentors
Learn more: nyap.org/foster

Walking Beside Older Teens

03/17/2026

Learn more: https://www.nyap.org/journal/educators-a-powerful-support-system-for-youth-experiencing-foster-care

03/16/2026

Join the NYAP team by learning more about our current open positions where you can help make a tremendous impact on the lives of others.

NYAP is hiring across the nation!

Apply today!

Visit nyap.org/careers to view all open positions.

03/13/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize the strengths, talents, and contributions of people with developmental disabilities and to encourage a commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and belonging from our community. This month is about raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and highlighting the importance of policies, practices, and communities that support individuals to live, learn, work, and thrive in ways that are meaningful to them.

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This March, NACCD is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Month with the launch of We’re Here: Then, Now, Always campaign. The national campaign recognizes a simple truth: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — and always will be.

03/11/2026

Be this voice for a child.

nyap.org/foster

03/10/2026

Learn more about becoming a single foster parent: https://www.nyap.org/journal/single-want-to-foster

03/08/2026

Today, we celebrate the women whose strength, compassion, and leadership empower children, youth, families, and communities every single day. At NYAP, we are honored to work alongside remarkable women who lift others up, create opportunities for healing and growth, and advocate for a world where every young person feels seen, supported, and valued.

Their voices empower change.
Their courage empowers progress.
Their dedication empowers the next generation.

Empowered Women Empower the World.

To all the women shaping brighter futures, we appreciate and celebrate you.

Join our team: nyap.org/careers

03/06/2026

Women’s History Month and Social Work Month together offer a powerful moment to show appreciation for the women whose leadership, compassion, and advocacy built the foundation of the social work profession. Throughout history, women have driven social change, opened doors for marginalized communities, and transformed the field through courage and determination. Their work set the stage for generations of social workers who continue to champion justice, elevate voices, and strengthen communities every day.

As we celebrate these two observances, we recognize the countless women, past and present, whose dedication shapes the heart of social work. Their legacy lives on in every act of service, every voice lifted for equity, and every life changed for the better.

Learn more: https://baylorlariat.com/2025/03/26/mothers-of-social-work-notable-women-in-history-led-the-front-lines-of-social-change/

Join our team: nyap.org/careers

Scales stated that historically, women were on the front lines of social work, while the head social workers or supervisors at the top were men, but she believes that this has improved in recent generations.

03/05/2026

Foster parents provide shelter, food, care, clothing, and essential needs for children in their care, but there are often emergent situations where additional clothing or items are needed to help them through the first few days of a youth joining their home. Foster parents often receive little notice before welcoming a child into their home, making it difficult to prepare for the specific needs of each child. Community foster closets alleviate some of this stress by providing immediate support, allowing families to focus on offering comfort and stability rather than scrambling to find necessary items.

Read full article: nyap.org/journal/fosterclosets
Become a foster parent: nyap.org/foster

Every year, thousands of children and teens enter the foster care system, often with little more than the clothes on their backs. Many lack basic necessities such as clothing, toiletries, and personal belongings, making an already difficult transition even more challenging. Community Foster Closets