The Youth Cultural Achievement Program (YCAP) was created as part of North Dakota’s compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, an analysis of the disproportionality of minority youth, in particular Native American youth, is higher than that of whites. In 2007, a study was done and it concluded based on its finding, a recommendation to establish a Native American juvenile court liaison or mentor to assist the court and families. The YCAP program was established in November 2008 for the South Central Judicial District. The YCAP program intent is to prevent Native American youth from entering the juvenile justice and child welfare systems and to work with the families to keep youth in their homes and in the community. The project focuses on several different points along the continuum including prevention, diversion, and post-adjudication efforts to prevent placement. The YCAP program is funded through the North Dakota Supreme Court.
The YCAP program is making existing programs more culturally relevant and developing new programming such as Talking Circles, Native American cross-age mentors, cultural, educational, social and supporting groups, alternative recreation are among the new services being pursued. Eligibility to the program is youth must be at-risk of entering into the juvenile justice system. Once accepted into the program, there are several services available such as crisis counseling, crisis intervention, Native American cross-age mentors, culturally relevant programming, individual counseling, family counseling, wrap-around funds, etc. These services are designed on a case-by-case basis to fit the client to maximize their potential for success.
Contact Person:
Michael Trahan, 701-255-6909 ext. 122, mtrahan_yworks@midconetwork.com