Facility profile Mississippi
Bethel Girls Academy
Later called Pine View Christian Academy
Bethel Girls Academy was a fundamentalist religious home in Petal, Mississippi, operated by World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS). It operated from 1997 to 2005.
About Bethel Girls Academy
It was a sister program to Bethel Boys Academy, founded by the Fountain family.source WWASP-affiliated, marketed by Teen Help.source
Its address was 66 Victory Ranch Rd, Petal, MS 39465.source Bethel Girls Academy described as a sister institution of Bethel Boys Academy (HEAL, Bethel Boys Academy.source
Timeline
From the records: who ran it and the deals that moved it, its names, and the deaths, incidents, inspection findings, lawsuits and news stories on file. Point at an event, or tap "More about this", for the details.
1997
Opened in Petal, Mississippi
2003
Criminal case record - Eagle Point Christian Academy
Criminal case record - Eagle Point Christian Academy
The State of Mississippi sued Bethel Boys Academy and related parties for alleged abuse and neglect of children at the facility. The parties entered into a consent decree that requires the defendants to implement comprehensive safety, monitoring, and staff screening measures. The decree also mandates the removal of electric fences and the establishment of a community advisory board.
Outcome: Consent decree entered; case settled; all claims dismissed.
- Court
- Chancery Court of George County, Mississippi
- Case number
- 2003-326
- Status
- Unknown
2004
License action
On May 19, 2004 the Mississippi Department of Health removed 38 girls after the academy failed several inspection points; the Health Department, Attorney...
License action May 19, 2004
On May 19, 2004 the Mississippi Department of Health removed 38 girls after the academy failed several inspection points; the Health Department, Attorney General and DHS then investigated.
2005
Runaway
On February 16, 2005 eleven girls escaped claiming abuse; the owner then released nearly 50 girls into state custody and two days later voluntarily closed the...
Runaway February 16, 2005
On February 16, 2005 eleven girls escaped claiming abuse; the owner then released nearly 50 girls into state custody and two days later voluntarily closed the school, which never reopened.
Closed
As Bethel Academy for Girls
Lawsuits
-
Criminal case record - Eagle Point Christian Academy
Outcome: Consent decree entered; case settled; all claims dismissed.
The State of Mississippi sued Bethel Boys Academy and related parties for alleged abuse and neglect of children at the facility. The parties entered into a consent decree that requires the defendants to implement comprehensive safety, monitoring, and staff screening measures. The decree also mandates the removal of electric fences and the establishment of a community advisory board. The agreement resolves all claims against the defendants in the Chancery Court of George County.
Incidents on record
-
May 19, 2004 License action
On May 19, 2004 the Mississippi Department of Health removed 38 girls after the academy failed several inspection points; the Health Department, Attorney General and DHS then investigated.source
-
February 16, 2005 Runaway
On February 16, 2005 eleven girls escaped claiming abuse; the owner then released nearly 50 girls into state custody and two days later voluntarily closed the school, which never reopened.source
-
Abuse
Survivors report violent punishment including hitting, kicking, punching, whipping, beatings with switches and axe handles, and isolation facing a wall for over 10 hours.source
Staff
Administration
-
Herman Fountain Jr.
Former Founder and co-owner (1997, r/troubledteens wiki)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- Eagle Point Christian Academy Founder and co-owner, Founder, 1978-2025
- New Beginnings Girls' Academy founder, director
- Rebekah Home for Girls
As Pine View Christian Academy
The record kept under this name
Nothing on record is dated to these years yet.
Connections on the network map
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Ownership
- Bethel Boys Academy
- WWASPS
Names
Wiki entries
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Materials and links
External links
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