Youth Peer Advocate
Credential Overview

Thank you for your interest in joining “A Workforce That Makes a Difference”! A Youth Peer Advocate is someone 18-30 years old who self-identifies as a person who has first-hand experience with social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges. Youth Peer Advocates must be able to use their lived experience with a disability, mental health challenge, substance use disorder, and experience in New York State systems such as juvenile justice, special education, and/or foster care to assist in supporting young people in their resiliency/recovery and wellness. YPAs provide a service called Youth Peer Support. 

An individual seeking a Youth Peer Advocate Credential will typically start with a Provisional (temporary) Credential. Click on the button below to download the “6 Steps to a YPA Professional Credential” for an overview of the training and credential pathway.

Ready to Get Started?

Click on the button below for steps 1 through 3.

Do you already hold a YPA-P?

Click on the button below for steps 4 through 6.

Do you need to renew your YPA-C?

Click on the button below to learn more about the renewal pathway.