For Immediate Release
October 10, 2002

Contact:
Erin O'Connor Jones
207-874-1175
Beryl Wolfe
(207) 775-5115
E-mail: oconnorjones@youthalternatives.org
Web Site: http://www.youthalternatives.org

PORTLAND, Maine - Youth Alternatives, a nationally accredited provider of services to children, youth and families throughout Maine, is seeking treatment foster parents to provide temporary homes for children and teens who have been removed from their homes by DHS as a result of abuse or neglect.

Treatment foster parents who work with Youth Alternatives receive $67.84 per day, or about $23,000 a year, tax-free. In addition, Youth Alternatives offers 40 hours of free training, plus a broad array of support programs and services, including crisis on-call assistance, a foster parent support group and access to respite providers. For more information about treatment foster care at Youth Alternatives and the agency's specific requirements, please call (207) 874-1175 or send an e-mail query to safehomes@youthalternatives.org.

"Treatment foster parents are invaluable partners who provide a safe, therapeutic environment for children adjusting to traumatic life changes," said Michael J. Tarpinian, president of Youth Alternatives. "These families can make all the difference in giving a child a chance for stability, hope and growth."

Treatment foster parents may come from a variety of backgrounds, such as nurses, teachers, writers, social workers, bookkeepers, chefs and stay-at-home parents. They may or may not have previously parented, and they may be single, married, in a committed relationship or divorced. All, however, must have a high level of care-giving experience, either professionally, personally or as volunteers.

"Becoming a treatment foster parent is an enormous life decision that will have a profound impact on your family, your future and your life," Tarpinian said. "It can be extraordinarily challenging - and extraordinarily rewarding."

At least 10 foster parents are needed in southern Maine for children who recently have been removed from their homes by the Maine Department of Human Services (DHS) as a result of abuse or neglect. More than 3,000 children statewide require foster care. Treatment goals typically include reunification with biological families, adoption, long-term foster care and, in some cases, independent living. Respite foster parents - those who take over the duties of parenting to give other foster parents a weekend break, time off or vacation - are also needed, Tarpinian added.

Founded in 1972, Youth Alternatives 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, Youth Alternatives serves more than 7,000 children, youth and family members throughout Maine each year.

Headquartered at 400 Congress St. in Portland, Youth Alternatives In addition to programs and services, Youth Alternatives residential homes for children include Bass House, Heritage House, Perry's Place, Reardon's Place and ROADS Group Home.

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

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