Rough Love
Kids from South Florida and beyond are sent to Jamaica to straighten up. Or else.
http://www.miaminewtimes.com/issues/2006-06-22/news/feature.html

...another article about Tranquillity Bay, located in Treasure Beach.

I am surprised of all the allegations made my these teenagers that attended TB...in reading this article it saddened me to know "if true" the things that are going on behind closed doors at TB. I have seen the facility and from the outside you would never think such things happen behind those walls. Surely, the owners of this school need to rethink and make some serious changes on how they "discipline" these kids. I understand the purpose of a Tough Love school but there is a limit on the type of punishment one places on these teenagers...

I cannot attest to anything that does or doesn't happen at Tranquility Bay. I will say, however, that many of the other schools owned and operated by the owners of TB have been closed in the last few years ... because of the treatment of teens in their care. The exposes you see on American TV about these schools highlight the fact that the owners choose locations in other countries where they feel they won't be bound by the same rules in terms of treatment that would restrict them in the States. They choose lovely locations (Jamaica, Mexico, the Czech Republic, Costa Rica) and the settings look wonderful, but what happens behind closed doors is never so wonderful. I've read a lot of the allegations made by kids who've been in Tranquility Bay and their family members, and it just seems unlikely that all of those stories could be made up.

Just my $0.02

S.

My son met a boy who went to TB and his treatment sounded terrible from discipline, living conditions, food, etc. I was in Great Bay in April and could see TB from where we stayed and wanted so much to check this place out. Had such a feeling that the kids were not safe but doubt a tour would be welcomed. What could I do anyway but get a message back to a parent or parents. We should be more concerned about the kids than the income it produces for the community whether or not we are a resident or a visitor/tourist. Can we hear from someone employed at TB or know of anyone working there?

I don't think I can stomach yet another thread about Tranquility bay. This is one of those topics that make me wanna say "If you ain't gonna do nothing about it, shut up about it."

Seth, you are very right. The owners choose locations out of the US for these types of schools b/c they know they won't be bound by the same rules. However, even though it's US owned, I'm sure most if not all the employees are Jamaicans. So when articles like this one are published anyone reading it will not put most of the blame on the owner but the workers....

YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GIVE INFO EVEN IF YOU STOP WORKING THERE.

These parents want to tell the staff how to run the program and it dont work like that because they are all trained and know how to deal with the kids,if these parents know how to disipline there kids in a loving manner then they would not send there kids there, this program help some and it dont help others because they deside that they not going to follow the rules and so they get consequences all the time and try to lie to there parent and manupilate there parent so just leave the staff let they do there work.

I get sick of paying taxes, but don't have time to reform the system.

No problem with discussions and spreading of information.

If it annoys, you can do what I do when I don't like what I am hearing- leave the room.

I think people are taking action against Tranquility, suing, investigating and more.

It is only a matter of time before it goes just like the WWASP's other facilities.

What is the big mystery, former worker? Obviously there are some disgusting condtions there...I read on an international media report that one student had scorpion bites, and was emaciated by the time he got back home...sounds like a prison war camp to me.

My wife and daughter and I have been to Treasure Beach several times; always we have wondered about that gleaming white barbed-wire fortress on the edge of the sea. The Miami New Times Article that inspired this thread led us to do further research. We can't seem to find the site for Tranquility Bay itself. Anyone know that?

Meanwhile, a close reading of the following would suggest that the benign-sounding "Tranquility Bay" be renamed "Abu Ghraib for Kids," or "Child Torture for Hire."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wide_Association_of_Specialty_Programs_and_Sc hools
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tranquility_Bay

I encourage all who are concerned about abuse at TB to go to "Tranquility Bay and WWASPS" and sign a petition to Congress. I will also contact my State Congressman to look into these allegations. Jamaica's local police and newspaper should also be contacted. Take time to read these articles. We should all be concerned and do something before another child is dead or damaged.

I think its worth mentioning that the facility provides a lot of (needed) jobs in the area. I don't say that excuses any possible wrong doing that takes place there.

But if one decides to take up this issue, one should be aware of the dynamics involved.

Over 2 years ago, my daughter spent a year at Tranquility Bay. It was hard, and lessons were learned, but to this day she still has fond memories of the staff (yes, Jamaican). She has recently married, and spent her honeymoon in Treasure Beach. She got to visit the school with her new husband, and see her teachers and doctor. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I'm not sure how much it is worth if you have never been there or had any experience with it. It is not for everyone, but certainly was for us.

I have personal expereince with Tranquility Bay and I have plenty to say on the subject. I have been to the school on at least 4 occasions, my wife 5. I will share my personal experience. My wife and I made the toughest decision of our lives in January of 2003 to send our son to a "Program School". Ladened with guilt and questioning or decision, we came to see the benefit of the school there and the curriculum and assistance that is provided for the students as well as the families. My son went to Tranquility Bay (TB) his freshman year. He graduated high school ahead of schedule and came home for good in Dec of 2005.

The school is controversial, not because of abuse, but because there are many parents that have a very tough time understanding having to make the decision that "we couldn't do it ourselves" My son received the treatment he needed there, from a wonderful staff of people, teachers as well as therapists. I have made life long friends and am close to the director of the school, teachers, and my sons "Family Rep" that personally worked with him and us for the time he was there. I wouldn't look back and change my decision to send me son to this school, it has made him the proud young man he is today. It has given my wife and I the strength and support to overcome just about anything. It has brought our family closer together.

So people know what this school and program is all about, I will provide a nickel overview. The child goes to the school, (boarding school with strict rules and positive reinforcement such as motiviational tapes and emotional growth exercises and processes). While the child is attending school and going through series of seminars that help them realize the root causes of things they do, they begin to work on an internalized plan to resolve them for themselves. During this time, the parents are also attending similar seminars that help them grow and learn to break some of the negative cycles, such as the way they may react to certain siutations. My wife and I went through them, My oldest daughter went through them and of course my son also did while at the school.

So the big question is, the parents like it but what about the son that was sent to the school. My Son Spencer supports the school and what it has done for him. Would he have rather not gone, of course, what teenager wouldn't. That said, he also recognizes the benefit that this has provided him. Like most kids that attend the school at Tranquility Bay, he realizes that had it not been for the school, by the time he reached 18 there was a good chance he would have been dead or in jail. I have asked very pointed questions of him both while in the school and after coming home. Has he ever been subject to any abuse? No. Had he ever whitnessed any one else being abused? No. Had he ever been restrained or witnessed someone else get restrained? Yes, and he said that it was when they were fighting or attempting to hurt someone. They were held until they calmed down.

I am thoroughly impressed with the way the school handles their tasks and jobs. Think about 250 or so kids (teenagers) that have been sent to this school for drug problems, fighting, gang activities, etc. I think that they do a stupendous job minimizing issues that must certainly arise from having a mix of kids with that backgrond and animosity all together. Much love to the staff at TB.

I intend to continue to visit the Treasure Beach area, and at every visit, I will again return to the school to visit the life long friends that I have made there. I view most of them as an extention of my family and the ones that played a major role in giving me my son back for the rest of our lives.

Sure, if you are looking for something negative you will find it out on the web. Ex students that are resentful for having to go to the school. But just ask one that "graduated" and you will get such a different story from the ones that finally decided it was time to change thier way of life and work for something for themselves. They are the ones we should be reading the stories of. Those are the ones that I interact with. Those are the ones that I respect. Those are the ones that I trust.

One last foot note. My son has now decided that he wants to join the Armed Services and when testing for placements of a job, he scored a 94% on the ASVAB, This is in large part to the excellent education he received at TB. His request before he leaves for basic training, is to go and visit the school and his Family Rep one more time. Not the desires of an abused child or someone who doesn't want to look back on that positive part of his life.

If someone wishes to take up an issue with the school, I would encourage you to have some personal experience in which you can base your decision. Not that of an overzealous reporter trying to sell some extra papers or magazines.
I have the facts, my son has the facts, as do many other parents and students of the school that are now off in college, or living productive clean and sober lives. They are the ones that should decide to take issue or praise with the school.

Respect and Much love.

I think you are far more likely to get a proactive response from contacting your congressman.The Jamaican Police are notoriously slow at responding to allegations of child abuse.I've had to deal with two very serious matters recently relating to the abuse of children by adults.The evidence against two of the perpetrators is overwhelming yet six months on and they are still at large.The Police know who they are but have failed to make an arrest.The child is traumatised and everytime the mother telephones or goes to the Police Station to get an update she is turned away.The child continues to recieve threats in the street and is now a bag of nerves.I find the whole thing very distressing, if we can't trust the Police to do their job and protect the vulnerable in society who can we trust?To add insult to injury the family has been told not to seek therapy as this will tamper with evidence.We have no faith at all in the system.This is a poor family without a voice so they are not valued by the establishment.We want justice but don't know where to turn as corruption is so endemic.

GLhotka,You are the most amazing parent,until other parents agree with you the kids won't ever be better.If they could have handled the situation,the child would never have been there in the first place.Some parents have kids so the kids can be the parents and the parent be the kids.I hope every one of those negative commentators see,read and understand your point.
God bless you,you are good parents who want's good for children.

Some people need to learn to spell before they post any message on the website. I could understand taht you are just trying to give your opinion but personally i'm not going to take whatever you have to say about these interesting topics serious.

It is hard to see people misspell words like DECIDE and DISCIPLINE.

Adonai, should we not take your message seriously since you misspelled 'taht'?

What happened to being nice and respectful when writing things for the public arena? To continue with the adage theme, "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar".

Adonai, hey, that was not nice because you mispelled the word taht for that, that's even worst. I understand you are trying to give your opinion, but that's a big MISTAKE taht for that.

People in glass houses thank you very much "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar". It is hard to to see people misspell 'taht'?for 'that'?.

Well said (people in glass houses).

Thank You.

Well done people in glass houses.Adonai, please be nice. critcisim, is good sometimes. don't throw stones in you live in glass house.

Adonai that was not nice to say idiot. you are the one that really sound like a idiot. People in glass houses thank you very much.

ADONAI THAT'S REALY A GREAT SLAP,HA HA.

Oh God! you guys need a chat room, not the TBNeT. You come up with the most ridiculous things to talk about..Gosh

check this out
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14325244/

G. Lhotka,
THank you! I am also a parent of a son who spent one year at TB. What you said was right on, I have much addmiration and respect for the school and staff. My son also was never abused or mistreated and received much love and respect from most of the staff. He has said it more than once...Thank you Mom and Dad for caring enough about me to send me to TB, you saved my life! My son also wants to revisit the school for his 18th birthday. He will go with open arms and love in his heart for all of those who helped him to see he is worthy of a good life and to those who helped him to love himself again. My son is doing wonderful and our family is whole again. The work is never ending, we will always use the tools that TB has taught us....they work! Much happiness for your family and all the working choices you are making. God Bless TB and it's staff!
Bonnie