For Immediate Release
June 14, 2002

Contact:
Erin O'Connor Jones
207-874-1175
Beryl Wolfe
(207) 775-5115
E-mail: beryl@wolfenews.com
Web Site: youthalternatives.org

PORTLAND, Maine ö Kane L. Loukas has been promoted to chief operating officer at Youth Alternatives (YA), a nationally accredited provider of services to children, youth and families throughout Maine. He will be responsible for human resources, quality assurance, technology and training.

Loukas joined Youth Alternatives in 1994, previously serving as vice president of community services. A licensed clinical social worker, he has more than 22 years of experience in the child welfare field.

"Kane has long demonstrated a commitment to Maine's children and families," said Michael J. Tarpinian, Youth Alternatives' president. "He's an outstanding choice to take over this important executive position."

Loukas received a master's degree in social work in 1989 at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. A resident of Windham, he serves as president of the board of the Unity Church of Greater Portland.

Youth Alternatives (YA) is a nationally accredited provider of services to children, youth and families. Founded in 1972, YA provides a full range of services, from prevention of child abuse and neglect to intensive intervention and safe-haven homes for youth. Through its programs, YA serves more than 6,000 children, youth and family members throughout Maine each year.

Headquartered at 400 Congress St. in Portland, YA clients include survivors of abuse and neglect, whether physical, emotional or sexual; parents in need of support and education; children and youth at risk for homelessness or criminal behavior; and/or families at risk of having a child removed from their homes.
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In addition to programs and services, YA residential homes for children include Bass House, Heritage House, Perry's Place, Reardon's Place and ROADS Group Home.

YA works to prevent child abuse and neglect through the Cumberland County Child Abuse & Neglect Council, Family Mediation, Healthy Families Partnership and Parenting Education programs.

In addition, YA provides community support for children and families through services in the following areas: family intervention, family outreach, intensive supervision, treatment foster care, homeless youth and substance abuse.


YA relies on federal, state and local grants, foundations, United Way organizations, corporate support and individual donations. For more information, persons may visit the YA website at www.youthalternatives.org, call (207) 874-1175 or e-mail info@youthalternatives.org.

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