The Proctor Program

Make a difference in the life of a youth.  Become a proctor parent!

Want to learn more about becoming a proctor parent? Contact Taryn Cochran by phone (503) 233-6121 ext. 37, or e-mail to find out how you can change a young person's life.

Proctor parents are an integral part of a YPA client’s experience by providing a structured, supportive and nurturing family environment.  Youth Progress Association certifies our proctor homes with either the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) or the Department of Human Services (DHS).  Proctor homes have one, two, or three youth placed in them at a time.  Proctor parents provide support and supervision to clients in the evenings (clients typically attend YPA between 8:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday) and on weekends.  Proctor parents help implement client treatment plans by providing continuity with skill-building, independent living, opportunities for increased responsibility in the community, and other areas of a client’s treatment plan and behavior.

Creating A Safe Place To Learn And Grow

At YPA our proctor parents play a major role in the success of our youth.  They participate in treatment planning, monthly reviews, and have frequent consultation and communication with YPA Case Managers and program staff.  The relationship a youth has with his/her proctor parent makes a large difference in the youth’s overall YPA experience.  Therefore, we make an extra effort to make sure that proctor parents are placed within the YPA program that will best match their characteristics and qualities.  Each YPA program has clientele and teaching styles that are unique to other YPA programs.  Specialization and certification of proctor homes differ based on the YPA program that the home is affiliated with.  The length of a client’s stay within the proctor home can range anywhere from three months to two years and also depends on the particular YPA program.  Proctor parents have access to 24-hour support from staff as well as bi-weekly proctor meetings to stay up to date on client information, program changes, new services, trainings, and additional involvement within the YPA agency.

My Life as a Proctor Parent:

My experience with YPA relates to my being a proctor home and proctor parent to girls coming from the Oregon Youth Authority. In 2003, I met a woman at work named Lynda who shared with me that she was a proctor parent through YPA. She had been doing so over the past 14 plus years. I was curious and really impressed at how dedicated Lynda was. She shared that she believed that I, too, could make a positive difference on youth caught up in the juvenile justice system. I decided to apply for that role and by mid-June, 2003, I was trained and certified to provide respite (filling in for proctor parents so they have one weekend off each month) to teens.

By early August I had my first live-in young woman. Though there was non-compliance and she had to leave the program, I could see that this work was important and made a difference in both my life and in hers. So, I have to-date provided a home to seven girls. I've had them anywhere from 2 months to over one year. Of these seven girls, three have graduated (yea!), two have been denied continuation in the program, and two are in their third and fourth months with me.

What is really great is having two girls with me at the same time and seeing the strong friendship and support they give to one another. Working with this age teen (16-19), and my being a parent and grandparent, has helped me know the value of helping youth at this basic living environment level. May I also applaud the Mariposa staff, who have helped me be successful and more knowledgeable. I also am learning from more seasoned proctor parents and staff during our bi-monthly meetings to share education presentations and debriefings.

I now realize that YPA has a strong state-wide recognized program and I'm proud of so much agency growth and innovation. I appreciate the gatherings organized by staff for the highlights of youth graduations, holiday festivities, and nights out for proctor parent support and fun. These events have rewarded and recharged me in so many ways. Together we are working and growing for the good will of each and every one of us.

–Louise, YPA Proctor Parent