Headlines From The Nation's Press

Each week we open the show with some of the most glaring and reoccurring stories chronicling the ugliness surrounding youth sports organized by adults; issues pertaining to our children's health and education. These headlines clap like thunder across the country signaling a warning to parents, coaches, administrators, lawmakers, and community stakeholders that widespread change is imperative.

My good friend, and frequent guest on the show, Professor Doug Abrams of the College of Law at the University of Missouri, will add you to his daily mailing list of these stories. Simply email Doug and ask him to add your name to the list.

The Main(e) Event

When kids hurt, their pain often goes unnoticed and untreated. Its easy for kids who are overwhelmed with emotional hurts to slip between the cracks of large systems that are unable to deal effectively with the "exceptions."

Government agencies designed to care for kids who hurt, as well as schools, and youth sport associations often are unable to detect and therefore tend to their needs.

My guests today run a private non-profit agency specializing in community based care for children, youth, adults, and families with emotional, behavioral and educational needs. North American Family Institute (NAFI) grew out of a need to create alternative services for youth who had been sent to state institutions for unruly and delinquent behavior, and for adults institutionalized within the state mental health system.

I met Bart Keinath on this show a few months ago. He's the varsity hockey coach at S. Portland High. Turns out, Bart's real job is educational program director at Beacon House in Buxton. This is an 8 bed program for 14-18 year olds who are in need of a community based program with secure capacity. It is a locked down facility with a staff of 30. Beacon House has an on-site educational program with a length of stay up to 1 year.

I also met Mike Francoeur who is the educational director. Many of you will remember Mike a former, very successful basketball coach at Deering High.

I'm anxious to share their stories with you, and to help inform the community about 13 similar programs throughout Maine operated by NAFI.

The Coaches Corner

I'll have some helpful hints for first-time and veteran coaches about what is really important.

Regis' Rant

For millions of kids world-wide, the Little League season is over. Why is it that all of those sandlots and perfectly manicured fields are now empty of kids when summer vacation is just around the corner? I'll be "going off" on ESPN and the Little League World Series that focuses on a few hundred "all-stars," and our need to crown a "world" champion for 12 and 13 year olds.

The Parent Trap

More on the "Parent Trap" of youth sports and how to be aware of it and how to protect yourself from becoming ensnared.

We invite our listeners to call in and share their views.

Listeners can take part in the show by calling:

207-775-2217 or 1-866-811-9505.