About CAYAP

The California Youth Advocate Program, Inc. (CAYAP) was established by Mubarak Awad, President and CEO of the International Youth Advocate Foundation (IYAF) and the founder of the National Youth Advocate Program.

Mr. Awad, an international advocate for youth and the founder of the National Youth Advocate Program in 1978 and its President through 2004 believes that children and young people grow and develop best in their own homes and that only as a last resort should they be placed in substitute care which provides services in the least restrictive environment.

IYAF implements its mission through its Chapters. The chapter programs are designed to provide individualized care and specialized services to address the multiple and complex needs of children, youth and families referred for treatment.

Constant and Never Ending Improvement (CANEI) is being developed in California under the auspices of Mubarak Awad and the International Youth Advocate Foundation, Inc. IYAF), under the leadership of Azim Khamisa, National Director of the CANEI Program. CANEI improves the lives of troubled teens using a holistic approach to treatment with an emphasis on restorative justice. Azim’s award winning book, Azim ‘s Bardo: From Murder to Forgiveness — a Father Journey, discusses restorative justice and its power to transform lives.

Board of Directors


Scott Kennedy: Chair

Dan Douglas (goes by “Leotha”): Secretary

Kim Benson: Treasurer