YHP disrupts the school-to-prison pipeline by converting moments of disciplinary crisis into structured opportunities for mediation led conflict resolution and self-advocacy. YHP’s model operates through two critical entry points.
Door 1: The Proactive Path (Conflict Prevention & Recourse): YHP establishes a formal, non-punitive protocol allowing students to safely self-refer or request mediation to resolve mounting misunderstandings with faculty and staff before an incident escalates to a disciplinary referral. This equips youth with vital communication, emotional intelligence, and self-advocacy skills that transcend the classroom and foster long-term civic agency.
Door 2: The Responsive Path (Suspension Diversion/Behavioral Reset): Working in tandem with school leadership, YHP serves as a formal diversionary alternative to out-of-school suspension. When a discretionary infraction occurs, or the educator wants to address behavior before it reaches disciplinary consideration, the student is referred to a YHP-facilitated restorative circle to repair harm and construct a mutually agreed-upon "Success Plan" that preserves instructional minutes.
By keeping students engaged in the school environment while addressing the root of conflict, the program supports outcomes that align directly with state expectations, including:
The RHA Competitive Advantage
YHP is different from other suspension intervention models in that other models are instituted once discipline is initiated. In our framework, we look to take a proactive approach. Students are permitted to seek support early, giving them a voice to prevent escalation. Staff can refer conflicts early instead of issuing referrals or seeking formal discipline, keeping students in class.
