Youth Power of Families Together in NYS administers the New York State Youth Peer Advocate Credential. As of 2021, over 200 Youth Peer Advocate Credentials have been awarded. The establishment of a YPA Credential recognizes the importance of peer-to-peer support for young people. The intent of this credentialing process is to formally recognize the expertise of Youth Peer Advocates, to ensure all advocates demonstrate core competencies, to expand reimbursement possibilities, and to provide opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
What is a Youth Peer Advocate?
A Youth Peer Advocate is an individual between 18-30 years of age who has self-identified as a person who has first-hand experience with emotional (mental health), behavioral challenges, and/or co-occurring disorders as a young person or has received services in any one of the child-serving systems (juvenile justice, special education, substance use disorder, or foster care). YPAs use their lived experience to assist in supporting youth in their resiliency/recovery and wellness.
Youth Peer Advocate Provisional Credential
An individual seeking a YPA Credential will typically start with a Provisional (temporary) Credential. Please read the FAQ and all instructions before completing the application. Completion of the YPA Level One training is required for the YPA Provisional Credential. If you have not taken the Level One training, CLICK HERE to get to the YPA Training page.
Information for Applicants:
YPA Credential Information for Advocates FAQ
How to Apply:
YPA Provisional Credential Application and Instructions
As of October 1, 2022, all paper applications are discontinued. We will no longer accept applications by email or postal mail. If you require accommodations, please contact us at YPACredential@FTNYS.org
Youth Peer Advocate Professional Credential
An individual seeking a YPA Professional Credential must have a valid YPA Provisional Credential AND have completed all components of YPA Level 2 training. If you have not taken the Level 2 training CLICK HERE to get to the YPA Training page.
Information for Applicants:
Provisional vs Professional Handout PDF
YPA Credential Information for Advocates FAQ
How to Apply:
YPA Professional Credential Application and Instructions
As of October 1, 2022, all paper applications are discontinued. We will no longer accept applications by email or postal mail. If you require accommodations, please contact us at YPACredential@FTNYS.org
Youth Peer Advocate Credential Renewal
The YPA Professional Credential is valid for 2 years and must be renewed. It is the responsibility of each YPA to submit the YPA Renewal Application no more than 90-days and no less than 30-days prior to the expiration date of their YPA Professional Credential. Please keep in mind that all credentials will expire with no exceptions on a YPA’s 31st birthday and cannot be renewed.
Information for Applicants:
YPA Professional Credential Renewal and Continuing Education FAQ
Policy Change Announcement: A Focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion NEW!
How to Apply:
YPA Professional Credential Renewal Application and Instructions
As of October 1, 2022, all paper applications are discontinued. We will no longer accept applications by email or postal mail. If you require accommodations, please contact us at YPACredential@FTNYS.org
Youth Peer Advocate Code of Ethics
The FTNYS Workforce Development Department is dedicated to the principle that Youth Peer Advocates must meet the highest standards of ethical practice. With this goal in mind, the Youth Peer Services Advisory Council (YPSAC) has adopted a Code of Ethics specifically for Youth Peer Advocates.
The YPA Code of Ethics exists for the protection of young people, their families, and to maintain the integrity of the workforce. It outlines the standards of ethical conduct for all Youth Peer Advocates. Failure to comply with the YPA Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary action.
A separate document, the YPA Code of Ethics Violation Policies and Procedures, will be used by the YPSAC to investigate all alleged violations of the YPA Code of Ethics. Credentialed Youth Peer Advocates are encouraged to thoroughly read and practice in accordance with the Youth Peer Advocate Code of Ethics.
Code of Ethics PDF
Code of Ethics Violation Policies and Procedures
Contact Us
For all general inquires about the YPA Training & Credential pathway, please email YPACredential@FTNYS.org or call (518) 432-0333 ext.18 and leave a voicemail.
Please allow up to 3 business days for a reply.
E-Tools for Applying
Use these tools to help you complete – and sign! – PDFs as part of the online applications. All documents must include “authentic” signatures (handwritten, or electronically using a finger/stylus pen).
Desktop Version (Free)
Please download and open PDFs in Adobe Reader only
OR
Mobile App for Smartphones & Tablets (Free)
Please download and open PDFs in Adobe Fill and Sign mobile app on a smartphone or tablet only
Download Adobe Fill & Sign mobile app