Y-CAP is a prevention and early intervention program for at-risk youth

"Y-CAP is the single most effective program I have seen for righting the path of wayward youth. My experience as a DeSoto County attorney has shown me the long term benefit to the county that Y-CAP offers. Y-CAP is able to intervene in the lives of young people and provide an opportunity for that young person to become a productive citizen. By proper guidance through Y-CAP, juvenile offenders and at-risk youth are able to contribute to the community, rather than drain its law enforcement and other resources. Y-CAP is proven successful in helping youth by involving the entire family. The benefits of a successful graduate are far reaching and an asset to the community that is immeasurable."
—William P. Myers, Attorney, Myers Graves, PLLC

A holistic approach is used to teach positive values and behaviors. In most cases, youth are first professionally referred to the Y-CAP program from juvenile court systems, school systems and other professional agencies. They are then engaged in activities that promote positive self-worth, goal-setting, improved behaviors, satisfactory academic performance and community service. The program also includes special components for parents/guardians and family members.

Y-CAP has received accolades from school administrators, juvenile court judges and community leaders. The program currently operates in Memphis, Tenn. and DeSoto County, Miss. Y-CAP is supported in part by the United Way of the Mid-South.

Facts about the Y-CAP program

• 74% of families that Y-CAP provides services to are "low income"*
• 56% of youth enrolled in Y-CAP live in a single parent household
• 49% of Y-CAP youth have repeated at least one grade in school before enrollment in Y-CAP
• 66% of youth enrolled in Y-CAP demonstrated an improvement in academic performance
• 73% of youth enrolled in Y-CAP demonstrated improved conduct (classroom behavior) in school
• 79% of youth enrolled in Y-CAP demonstrated improved school attendance
• 77% of youth enrolled in Y-CAP demonstrated improved use of "Core Values" (Honesty, Caring, Respect and Responsibility)
• 83% of youth enrolled in Y-CAP demonstrated improved behavior choices (Y-CAP participation, Y-CAP attendance, Y-CAP behavior)

*"Low Income" levels are based on children qualifying for free or reduced lunch according to the US Department of Agriculture guidelines

Data collected from Y-CAP program sites in DeSoto County, MS, and Memphis, TN