The relatives of the seven teenagers who were removed from the Atlantis Leadership Academy in St Elizabeth by the CPFSA are growing frustrated due to the lack of information about when the boys will be returned to the US. According to US attorney Michael McFarland, the boys were allegedly physically abused with beatings, chokeholds, restraints, and neglect. While the nature of the abuse remains allegations at this time, McFarland shared that the families are regretting sending their children to the school in light of the allegations.
The CPFSA conducted an unannounced welfare check on February 8, where signs of abuse and neglect were observed, leading to the immediate removal of eight teens from the facility. The agency retained custody of the children while further investigations are conducted into the allegations of abuse. Seven of the teens are now being safeguarded in residential child care facilities and have undergone medical assessments and are receiving ongoing care. The agency is collaborating with ISS-USA on home assessments to ensure safe environments for the teens upon their return.
Head of the CPFSA, Laurette Adams-Thomas, stated that the agency’s priority is the well-being of the American children while they are in Jamaica. The agency is working with law enforcement authorities on the investigations and cannot comment on the ongoing probes. The CPFSA will provide an update on the home studies being conducted and receive further instructions from the court on April 3. Dirk Harrison, the attorney representing Atlantis Leadership Academy, has accused the CPFSA of failing to follow due process in initially removing the boys from the school and making premature conclusions.
US attorney Michael McFarland, who is representing the family of a 16-year-old boy from Atlantis Leadership Academy, stated that the teenager had lost a significant amount of weight since entering the school. The attorney stressed that the developments regarding the abuse were allegations at this time and that the school founder, Randall Cook, is eager to clear his name. The CPFSA and ISS-USA are collaborating on home assessments for the safe reintegration of the teens with their families. The agency’s priority is the well-being of the children while in Jamaica, and ongoing care is provided, including specialized psychotherapeutic support.
The relatives are frustrated by the lack of information on when the boys will be returned to the US and regret sending them to Atlantis Leadership Academy in light of the allegations. The CPFSA conducted an unannounced welfare check, leading to the immediate removal of eight teens due to signs of abuse and neglect. The agency is collaborating with ISS-USA on home assessments for the teens’ safe return and their well-being while in Jamaica. The attorney representing the school founder has accused the CPFSA of failing to follow due process and making premature conclusions about the abuse allegations.
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23 Comments
I dont buy the attorneys claims, sounds like a setup to me.
I think the attorney is just trying to stir up drama. Sounds fishy to me.
I disagree. Its important to consider all perspectives before jumping to conclusions. The attorney may have valid reasons for their actions. Lets not rush to judgment without all the facts.
Honestly, maybe those boys deserved it. Who knows what they did first?
Its never okay to justify violence based on assumptions. No one deserves to be assaulted, regardless of their actions. Lets not jump to conclusions and instead focus on promoting empathy and understanding in our responses to conflicts.
I dont buy the attorneys claims. Sounds fishy to me. Whats the real story?
I dont buy it, sounds like a ploy for attention. Lets hear both sides.
Stop being so quick to dismiss someones experience. Its important to listen and consider their perspective before jumping to conclusions. Empathy goes a long way in understanding different viewpoints. Give them the benefit of the doubt and show some compassion.
I dont buy the attorneys story, sounds fishy to me. Need more evidence.
I wonder if the boys were exaggerating or misinterpreting the situation.
Dont dismiss the boys experience so easily. Its important to listen and believe when someone shares their truth, especially when it comes to sensitive situations. Always consider the possibility that they may have been telling the truth.
I dont buy it. Sounds like a desperate attempt to shift blame.
Do you think the school should be held accountable for the reported abuse?
Do you think stricter oversight is needed in schools to prevent abuse?
Do you think the school should be held accountable for the reported abuse?
Absolutely, the school must be held accountable for any reported abuse. Its their responsibility to provide a safe environment for students. Ignoring or covering up such serious allegations is unacceptable. Transparency and swift action are essential to protect the well-being of all students.
Do you think the school should be held accountable for the reported abuse?
Absolutely, the school must be held accountable for any reported abuse. Negligence in protecting students is inexcusable and they must face consequences. No institution should be above the law when it comes to ensuring the safety and well-being of those in their care.
Do you think there should be stricter regulations for schools to prevent abuse?
Absolutely. The safety and well-being of students should always be the top priority. Stricter regulations are necessary to protect our children from abuse and ensure a secure learning environment. Its time for schools to prioritize the safety of their students above all else.
Do you think stricter regulations are needed for schools to prevent abuse incidents?
Do you think the school should be held accountable for the reported abuse?
Do you think the school should be held accountable for the reported abuse?