Three branches of service
The agency's first branch is focused on foster care
The first branch focuses on foster care units. We recognize that older foster care youth often face significant challenges as they transition to adulthood, and many lack the skills and support they need to live independently and successfully. We work with foster care youth to help them transition to adulthood successfully by providing a home-like environment, life skill training, educational support, employment and career planning, financial planning, and mental health services. This support and trainings are therapeutic interventions to equip them for the future and help to build their emotional, psychological, and mental capabilities.
There are more than 420,000 kids in the foster care system in the United States, most of whom will experience severe trauma while growing up in the system. Only half of these kids will reunite with their biological families, and many will attempt suicide.
For the 23,000 young adults who age out of the system, a life of chronic poverty, unplanned pregnancies, incarceration, and homelessness is almost guaranteed.
The second branch of AGAPE YOUTH BEHAVIORAL SERVICES INC. is focused on Teen Dating Violence Prevention Programs.
The second branch focuses on teen dating violence prevention programs. The agency provides education and support to teens that have experienced or are at risk of experiencing domestic violence.
We help these young individuals heal from the trauma of domestic violence through peer groups: helping them find hobbies to build confidence and educating them on the early signs of an abuser to prevent future occurrences.
This program has been established to mitigate the influence of risk factors, prevent TDV, and alleviate its adverse outcomes nationwide, particularly in communities where youth are exposed to high rates of violence.
1 in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped, or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. Only 33% of teens who were in an abusive relationship ever told anyone about the abuse. 81% of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don't know it's an issue.
The third branch of AGAPE YOUTH BEHAVIORAL SERVICES INC. is focused on opioid prevention for youth
The third branch focuses on opioid prevention for young people. We provide education and support to those at risk of opioid addiction. We provide education on the consequence of drug abuse and addiction and preventive measures such as avoiding friends or peer groups that abuse drugs. The program aims to prevent addiction and promote healthy behaviors among young people.
The Critical Risks of Fentanyl Poisoning – It’s Killing Kids
The DEA has reported that more than 1 in 4 pills are laced with the poison. And according to CDC data, synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) contributed to 62% of the 2020 overdose deaths
What is a youth agency?
Youth agency is the desire and ability of young people to make decisions and drive change—in their own lives, in their communities, and in their larger spheres of influence. The youth agency is a right that allows young people to become the architects of their own future.
Since our establishment in 2021, 1000 youth in Atlanta and some communities in Georgia have benefitted from our programs. The breakdown is as follows: 500 youth in foster care establishments, 200 physically abused teenagers or at risk of abuse, and 300 youth at risk of opioid addiction.
We envision a world where young people can access the support and resources they need to thrive. We are committed to a future where foster care youth are empowered to succeed, teens are free from the cycle of domestic violence, and young people have the knowledge and skills to make healthy life choices.