Youth Power of Families Together in NYS administers the New York State Youth Peer Advocate Credential. As of 2021, over 150 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?
Youth Peer Advocates are individuals between 18-30 years of age who self-identify as a person with first-hand experience with a social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges as a young person or have received services in any one of the child-serving systems (juvenile justice, foster care, special education, or addiction recovery). YPAs use their lived experience to promote resiliency, recovery, wellness, and self-efficacy in young people and promote the practice of youth-guided and family-driven approaches.
Youth Peer Advocate Provisional Credential
An individual seeking a YPA Credential will typically start with a Provisional Credential. Please read the FAQ and the application 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 training page.
Youth Peer Advocate Credential FAQ
Youth Peer Advocate Provisional Credential Application
NEW: 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. Please re-read the FAQ and the Application Instructions before completing the application form.
Provisional vs Professional Handout PDF
YPA Information for Advocates FAQ
YPA Professional Credential Application Form and Instructions
NEW: 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
Completion of the YPA Level 2 training is required for the Youth Peer Advocate Professional Credential. If you have not taken the Level 2 training CLICK HERE to get to the FTNYS training page and follow all instructions.
Youth Peer Advocate Credential Renewal
The Youth Peer Advocate Credential is valid for 2 years from the date it was issued. It must be renewed every 2 years. It is the responsibility of each YPA to submit the required YPA Credential Renewal paperwork no more than 90 days and no less than 30 days prior to the expiration date of their current, valid credential.
Information for Applicants
YPA Continuing Education and Renewal FAQ
Policy Change Announcement and Cultural Humility/Bias-Reduction/Anti-Racism Trainings NEW!
Applications
YPA Credential Renewal Application Form and Instructions
NEW: 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
Additional Forms
YPA Continuing Education Form
YPA Credential Renewal Payment Form
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.
Yasmeen Baxter
Yasmeen Baxter
Youth Workforce Development Coordinator
Training & Workforce Development Department
(518) 728-4262
YBaxter@FTNYS.org
Meghann Simpson
Meghann Simpson She/Her
Youth Training Coordinator
Training & Workforce Development Department
(716) 339-7777
MSimpson@FTNYS.org
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