On this bonus episode I sit down the with the YSP Unit OGs Ashley Menfee and JoVanna Robinson. We discuss the history of the YSP Unit and more.

Our final episode will showcase why others should join the YSP Unit! The YSPs will share why they love being a YSP and they will explain why they find this work fulfilling. The episode will end with a discussion on how the YSP can have a bigger impact in Allegheny County and our YSPs will share where they plan to grow from here.

YSPs are trained to provide a trauma informed approach – meaning that it is assumed that our youth are more likely than not to have a history of trauma. A trauma informed approach helps our YSPs recognize and respond to the signs, symptoms, and risks of trauma so they can better support our youth. Episode 8 will focus on how YSPs deal with and respond their own trauma and how this informs their work.

Accountability means taking responsibility for one’s actions and following through with commitments. Accountability is not a onetime thing and can be subjective. At the YSP unit we try to model behaviors, including accountability. This episode will uncover how our YSPs own their own decisions and help youth with their own accountability.

Asserting safe boundaries with others helps ensure that others understand exactly how to treat us. In this episode we explore what boundaries are and how they can be established and maintained. This episode will also cover how YSPs create healthy boundaries with their youth and how YSPs help their youth sustain boundaries for themselves.

At the YSP Unit, one of our founding principles in Youth Voice and Choice. We put youth’s perspectives front and center as we strive to provide options and choices so that our youth feel like their action plans reflect their own values and preferences. Episode 4 will cover topics like youth’s status in society and how we can support youth voice.

Maintaining strong reciprocal relationships with friends, family, and team members is crucial to the health and happiness of our youth. In Episode 3 we dive into what healthy relationships look like and we explore what it means to be an integral part of a youth’s team.