Youth Development

AADAP’s Youth and Family Programs (YFP) deliver a wide spectrum of prevention, intervention, diversion, and re-entry services for youth and families across South Los Angeles. Grounded in community partnership and whole-family engagement, these programs support young people as they navigate challenges, build resilience, and develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive. Through counseling, case management, mentoring, family support, and meaningful enrichment opportunities, YFP strengthens protective factors and creates pathways toward education, stability, and wellness.

AADAP operates Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) programs funded by the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, serving youth ages 10–15 across South Los Angeles. GRYD supports the overall health and well-being of youth, families, and the community by providing positive alternatives that encourage pro-social decision-making. Through comprehensive prevention services, participants receive individualized case management, family engagement, conflict-resolution training, academic and recreational support, and opportunities for cultural learning and community building—helping young people develop positive identities, strong relationships, and pathways away from gang involvement.

Gender-expansive training services are trauma-responsive, youth-centered, and grounded in cognitive behavioral approaches. These trainings support probationary youth at Camp Kilpatrick and the Dorothy Kirby Center by exploring attitudes and beliefs, gender and sexuality, relevant legislation, and allyship and advocacy. The program creates a safe, respectful learning environment that builds self-awareness, empathy, and skills for positive decision-making and healthy relationships.

AADAP’s Anger Management and Intervention services support probationary youth ages 12–19 and their families through structured, evidence-informed, psycho-therapeutic programming focused on anger prevention and emotional regulation. The program provides pro-social activities alongside individual and group sessions that help youth identify triggers, manage stress, improve communication, and resolve conflict in healthy, constructive ways.

Grounded in cultural awareness and family engagement, services emphasize real-world skill-building that fosters self-awareness, positive decision-making, and long-term behavioral change. Parents and caregivers are also supported with guidance and practical tools to reinforce these skills at home, strengthening family relationships and creating more stable, supportive environments for youth success.

AADAP’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Diversion Services support youth and families through early intervention, education, and family-centered care designed to prevent deeper involvement in the justice or child welfare systems. The program helps youth who may be experimenting with or are at risk of substance use by promoting positive approaches to learning, strengthening social and emotional development, and reinforcing family health, education, and support systems.

Through culturally affirming counseling, substance use education, and individualized case management, participants address underlying needs, reduce risk behaviors, and build protective factors. Youth are also connected to academic support, mental health services, and recreational opportunities that encourage healthy decision-making, school engagement, and positive pathways toward long-term well-being and stability.

AADAP provides outdoor experiences to youth in South Los Angeles, including overnight and day trips to local, state, and national park areas. Services include transportation to and from all activities and events. The Youth Community Access program provides all supplies, equipment, food and educational materials for all activities and camping experiences.

Community Outreach and Engagement is a core component of AADAP’s Youth and Family Programs, enabling meaningful connection with the communities we serve. Through outreach, staff engage directly with youth, families, and community partners to better understand local needs, collaborate on solutions, and strengthen support systems that promote healthy development.

AADAP actively engages schools, local organizations, faith communities, and neighborhood groups through education, resource navigation, and culturally rooted activities. Outreach efforts include workshops, resource fairs, neighborhood canvassing, cultural events, and collaboration with local systems to reduce barriers and increase awareness of services. This community-centered approach builds trust, boosts visibility, fosters teamwork, and supports community development—creating safer, healthier environments where youth and families can thrive.