Atlantis Leadership Academy, a school for troubled teens run by Americans in Jamaica, has come under intense scrutiny after allegations of severe abuse led to the arrest of five employees on charges of child cruelty and assault. Former students recounted being subjected to brutal physical punishments, forced excessive exercise, and prolonged stress positions, prompting Jamaican child welfare officials to intervene and place the children in protective custody earlier this year.
The founder and executive director of the school, Randall Cook, defended the institution’s practices but refrained from commenting directly on the allegations or arrests. Cook, who has a history in the troubled teen industry, claims the academy prioritizes the dignity and safety of its students. Despite his assertions, former students provided harrowing accounts of their experiences, describing the school’s environment as akin to a “living hell.”
Legal representatives and child welfare advocates are actively pursuing justice for the victims, emphasizing the need for rigorous oversight in educational facilities catering to vulnerable youth. The incidents at Atlantis Leadership Academy have reignited concerns about the broader troubled teen industry, known for its controversial methods and lack of transparency.
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