What is an Early Intervention Advocate?
Early Intervention Advocates (EIAs) are college-educated, credentialed professionals appointed by Hamilton County Superior Court 1, uniquely qualified to support and guide at-risk youth and their families. Employed by Hamilton County, EIAs work within the Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program (HCYAP) and serve six school districts: Carmel, Fishers, Hamilton Heights, Sheridan, Noblesville, and Westfield. Under the leadership of HCYAP Director Tricia Akers, these advocates collaborate closely with local partners to provide tailored, community-centered support for youth facing challenging life circumstances.
Each EIA is deeply embedded in their respective community, drawing on their extensive training and expertise to build relationships and design individualized support plans for at-risk youth. They work directly with families to address specific challenges and help young people develop strengths, skills, and resilience. EIAs take a strengths-based, compassionate approach, developing plans that are voluntary, confidential, and entirely free to families.
Youth are referred to an EIA through local sources such as school counselors, the Prosecutor’s Office, law enforcement, the Department of Child Services (DCS), therapists, and pediatricians, as well as self-referrals from families. For referrals that come through the Prosecutor’s Office, often for minor offenses like truancy or incorrigibility, EIAs may introduce behavior contracts to help youth avoid further involvement in the legal system. By connecting families with essential resources and providing ongoing support, EIAs help youth achieve lasting, positive change. If a family declines or a plan is unsuccessful, the case may be returned to the Prosecutor’s Office as a last resort.
Beyond individual support, EIAs play a critical role in maintaining and strengthening partnerships with local organizations—schools, businesses, volunteers, donors, and service agencies. These connections allow EIAs to provide youth with a robust support network and essential services, often creating new resources when necessary. Their efforts are guided by the principle of “whatever it takes” to ensure youth and families receive the support they need to succeed.
As appointed Hamilton County employees, EIAs bring their specialized training and expertise to the role, with a commitment to helping youth thrive. They are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and dedication needed to make a real impact on the lives of Hamilton County’s young people. By working alongside families and empowering them to take ownership of their progress, EIAs build stronger, more resilient communities and create pathways for brighter futures.
Early Intervention Advocates
Maggie Figge
Maggie grew up in Hamilton County and loves that, through her work, she can give back to the communities that supported her as a youth. Maggie graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in Social Work and Spanish. After working for a few years as a medical social worker, she went back to get her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Indiana University. Before joining CYAP, Maggie worked as a School Social Worker at Creekside Middle School. This is where she saw first-hand the needs of youth in Carmel and knew she wanted to continue her work in this community. Maggie has been with CYAP since its inception in 2015.
She has also volunteered with youth in many capacities including coaching, student ministry, and group facilitator. She served as a therapist at Brooke’s Place in Indianapolis and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Melissa Yarger
Melissa graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from IUPUI in Sociology and Psychology which included an internship with Carmel Youth Assistance. She provided school-based case management services in Tipton County prior to joining the CYAP team in 2018. She was also a volunteer mentor with Noblesville Youth Assistance. Melissa has watched many of the Youth Assistance offices grow and develop over the years and loves being a part of such a unique program.