Facility profile Florida

Palm Beach Youth Academy

Formerly Palm Beach Juvenile Correctional Facility

Open West Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach Youth Academy is a program in West Palm Beach, Florida, operated by Rite of Passage, Inc.

About Palm Beach Youth Academy

Sequel TSI of Florida took over the Palm Beach Juvenile Correctional Facility from Youth Services International on April 1, 2016 and ran it as Palm Beach Youth Academy; Florida DJJ listed Sequel as provider through at least December 2021 and Rite of Passage, Inc. by May 2023.source 1, source 2

Also drawn on: Palm Beach Youth Academy (DJJ), current.

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.

199719992005200620162017202119972021

  1. 1997

    1. Ownership

      Correctional Services Corporation began running it

      It ran the program until 1999.

  2. 1999

    1. Ownership

      Correctional Services Corporation stopped running it

  3. 2005

    1. OwnershipNovember 2005

      Youth Services International: Sold by GEO Group to a company owned by former CSC CEO James Slattery

      Correctional Services Corporation and Youth Services International ran Palm Beach Youth Academy on either side of the deal.

      Youth Services International: Sold by GEO Group to a company owned by former CSC CEO James Slattery November 2005

      On completing its purchase of CSC, The GEO Group sold Youth Services International for $3.75 million to a newly formed company owned by James F. Slattery, CSC's former chief executive officer.

      source 1, source 2

  4. 2006

    1. Ownership

      Youth Services International began running it

      It ran the program until 2016.

  5. 2016

    1. Ownership

      Sequel Youth and Family Services took it over from Youth Services International

  6. 2017

    1. OwnershipSeptember 1, 2017

      Sequel TSI: Sold a majority stake to Altamont Capital Partners

      Sequel Youth and Family Services ran Palm Beach Youth Academy at the time.

      Sequel TSI: Sold a majority stake to Altamont Capital Partners September 1, 2017

      Altamont Capital Partners announced a majority equity investment in Sequel through a holding company, SYFS Parent; terms were not disclosed. At the time Sequel ran 44 programs in 19 states, and APM Reports counted 35 residential treatment centers in 16 states. CEO John Stupak stayed on and co-founder Jay Ripley remained board chairman. Altamont's portfolio page lists the investment as active and says SYFS Parent later acquired Rebecca & Aaron Schools (2017) and Pine Cone Therapies (2020).

      source 1, source 2, source 3

  7. 2021

    1. Ownership

      Vivant Behavioral Health: Founded by Sequel co-founder Jay Ripley and bought most of Sequel's remaining centers

      Sequel Youth and Family Services ran Palm Beach Youth Academy at the time.

      Vivant Behavioral Health: Founded by Sequel co-founder Jay Ripley and bought most of Sequel's remaining centers

      Jay Ripley, one of Sequel's three founders, founded Vivant Behavioral Healthcare in 2021. Sequel sold most of its centers that had not closed to Vivant, which now controls most former Sequel treatment centers still open.

      source 1, source 2

News coverage

  • WPTV Mar 31, 2026 Corporate

    DJJ selects new provider for local juvenile facility

    The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice selected Sequel Youth and Family Services to take over operations at the Palm Beach Juvenile Correctional Facility following the early termination of the contract by Youth Services International. The transition follows local criticism and allegations regarding physical injuries sustained by residents at the facility. In response, state officials announced a temporary halt on new admissions to reduce the facility's population.

  • WPTV Jun 1, 2020 Expose

    Coronavirus cases at Palm Beach Youth Academy concern parents

    Twenty-one juveniles at the Palm Beach Youth Academy tested positive for COVID‑19, prompting parents to express concern over the facility’s infection control practices. Staff reportedly did not wear masks and some appeared ill, raising questions about safety protocols. The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice confirmed the cases and noted that all staff and parents were notified.

  • Juvenile Justice Information Exchange Aug 29, 2016 Corporate

    Funding, Oversight Next Questions for Florida’s Private Youth Prison System

    Following a whistleblower lawsuit alleging that contractor Youth Services International failed to provide appropriate services and falsified contract documents, Florida state officials moved to terminate remaining contracts with the for-profit company. The transition has prompted lawmakers and advocates to examine the state's reliance on private, for-profit juvenile facilities, focusing on funding levels, contract monitoring, and oversight practices.

  • WLRN Public Media Mar 18, 2016 Corporate

    Florida Ends Relationship With Juvenile Justice Contractor After Years Of Abuse Allegations

    The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice announced it will end its contract with Youth Services International, Inc., which operates several juvenile detention centers, after multiple allegations of abuse and inadequate conditions. Investigations highlighted issues such as insufficient clothing, non‑functional toilets and sinks, and reports of rewards for violent behavior among youth.

Licensing and inspections

Program
DJJ-palm-beach-youth-academy
License category
Moderate-risk Residential
Executive director
William Hanford
Licensed capacity
78
Licensing action
Active
Phone on file
(561) 283-2820
Licensed address
9680 Weisman Way, West Palm Beach, FL 33411

36 inspection reports on file. Search all Florida reports

The newest 25 reports, by date: 7 findings in 5 reports
  1. Jun 30, 2026 SPEP - FY25-26
  2. Jun 30, 2026 SPEP - FY25-26
  3. Jun 30, 2026 QI Residential - FY25-26 - 1 finding
    1 finding

    • Limited compliance, DJJ review : Indicator 5.04 Ten-Minute Checks (Critical)

      A program shall ensure staff observe youth at least every ten minutes while the youth are in their sleeping quarters, either during sleep time or at other times, such as during an illness or room restriction. Staff shall conduct the observations in a manner to ensure the safety and security of each youth and shall document real time observations manually or electronically. The program maintains a written policy and procedures in place to conduct and document ten- minute checks during sleep hours, or at other times such as during an illness to ensure the safety and security of each youth. The program has a total of one-hundred twenty-two video surveillance cameras. All cameras were operational at the time of the annual compliance review. Video recordings are stored for thirty days. At the time of the annual compliance review, the program had an open major deficiency for ten-minute checks, which was identified on December 31, 2025. Staff are required to conduct room checks every ten-minutes and document the time of the check on the Ten-Minute Check Log when youth are sleeping. A video review of ten-minute checks from the overnight shift and from each living unit, for a total of nine samples verified in eight of the nine video samples staff conducted checks every ten-minutes and documented the times accurately on the Ten-Minute Check Log. In one video sample one staff conducted a check seven minutes late and completed the next check within ten minutes. A review of twenty-seven ...

  4. Jun 30, 2026 QI Residential - FY25-26 - 1 finding
    1 finding

    • Limited compliance, DJJ review : Indicator 5.04 Ten-Minute Checks (Critical)

      A program shall ensure staff observe youth at least every ten minutes while the youth are in their sleeping quarters, either during sleep time or at other times, such as during an illness or room restriction. Staff shall conduct the observations in a manner to ensure the safety and security of each youth and shall document real time observations manually or electronically. The program maintains a written policy and procedures in place to conduct and document ten- minute checks during sleep hours, or at other times such as during an illness to ensure the safety and security of each youth. The program has a total of one-hundred twenty-two video surveillance cameras. All cameras were operational at the time of the annual compliance review. Video recordings are stored for thirty days. At the time of the annual compliance review, the program had an open major deficiency for ten-minute checks, which was identified on December 31, 2025. Staff are required to conduct room checks every ten-minutes and document the time of the check on the Ten-Minute Check Log when youth are sleeping. A video review of ten-minute checks from the overnight shift and from each living unit, for a total of nine samples verified in eight of the nine video samples staff conducted checks every ten-minutes and documented the times accurately on the Ten-Minute Check Log. In one video sample one staff conducted a check seven minutes late and completed the next check within ten minutes. A review of twenty-seven ...

  5. Jun 30, 2026 QI Detention - FY25-26
  6. Jun 30, 2025 QI Residential - FY24-25 - 1 finding
    1 finding

    • Limited compliance, DJJ review : Indicator 4.13 Episodic/First-Aid and Emergency Care

      The program shall have a comprehensive process for the provision of episodic care and first- aid care. The program maintains a written policy and procedures ensuring the provision of episodic care and first-aid care. The program will provide twenty-four-hour emergency medical, mental health, substance abuse, and dental care to all youth. All staff who have direct contact with or provide supervision to youth, including transporters, shall be trained in sick call complaints which are emergency complaints and proper emergency on-site emergency notification procedures and care, to include transfer procedures to facilitate the immediate transfer of youth who require emergency medical, mental health, and dental care services. The program director (PD) shall ensure all telephones within the program have access to outside lines to ensure unimpeded access to the emergency use of 9-1-1. Nine youth Individual Healthcare Records (IHCRs) were reviewed for on-site first-aid or episodic care. Six youth were not applicable and three were. All reviewed first-aid/episodic care was provided by a licensed healthcare staff, documented in the progress notes under the notation of episodic, and completed in subjective, observation, assessment, and plan (SOAP) format. None of the episodic or first-aid care was provided by non-healthcare staff. The program has seven first-aid kits located in master control, medical, the kitchen, and each of the two living units. The program has a process for ensuring ...

  7. Jun 30, 2025 QI Residential - FY24-25 - 1 finding
    1 finding

    • Limited compliance, DJJ review : Indicator 4.13 Episodic/First-Aid and Emergency Care

      The program shall have a comprehensive process for the provision of episodic care and first- aid care. The program maintains a written policy and procedures ensuring the provision of episodic care and first-aid care. The program will provide twenty-four-hour emergency medical, mental health, substance abuse, and dental care to all youth. All staff who have direct contact with or provide supervision to youth, including transporters, shall be trained in sick call complaints which are emergency complaints and proper emergency on-site emergency notification procedures and care, to include transfer procedures to facilitate the immediate transfer of youth who require emergency medical, mental health, and dental care services. The program director (PD) shall ensure all telephones within the program have access to outside lines to ensure unimpeded access to the emergency use of 9-1-1. Nine youth Individual Healthcare Records (IHCRs) were reviewed for on-site first-aid or episodic care. Six youth were not applicable and three were. All reviewed first-aid/episodic care was provided by a licensed healthcare staff, documented in the progress notes under the notation of episodic, and completed in subjective, observation, assessment, and plan (SOAP) format. None of the episodic or first-aid care was provided by non-healthcare staff. The program has seven first-aid kits located in master control, medical, the kitchen, and each of the two living units. The program has a process for ensuring ...

  8. Jun 30, 2024 SPEP - FY23-24
  9. Jun 30, 2024 SPEP - FY23-24
  10. Jun 30, 2024 QI Residential - FY23-24 - 3 findings
    3 findings

    • Limited compliance, DJJ review : Indicator 2.08 Youth Needs Assessment Summary (YNAS)

      The program shall ensure a Youth Needs Assessment Summary (YNAS) of each youth is conducted within thirty days of admission. The program shall maintain all documentation of the initial assessment process in JJIS on the YNAS. The program maintains a written policy and procedures regarding the completion of the Youth Needs Assessment Summary (YNAS). Seven youth case management records were reviewed, and each contained a completed YNAS. Four YNASs were not completed within thirty days of youth’s admission. Two were completed six days late, one was seven days late, and the fourth was twelve days late. Each YNAS was documented in the Department’s Juvenile Justice Information System (JJIS) and a copy was maintained in each youth’s case management record.

    • Limited compliance, DJJ review : Indicator 2.09 Performance Plan Development, Goals, and Transmittal

      (Critical) The intervention and treatment team, including the youth, shall meet and develop the performance plan, based on the findings of the youth’s initial assessment, within thirty days of admission. For each goal, the performance plan shall specify the target date for completion, the youth’s responsibilities to accomplish the goal, and the program’s responsibilities to enable the youth to complete the goal. Within ten working days of completion of the performance plan, the program shall send a transmittal letter and a copy of the plan to the youth’s committing court, the assigned juvenile probation officer (JPO), the parent/guardian, and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) case manager, if applicable. The program maintains a written policy and procedures outlining performance plan development, goals, and transmittal. Seven youth case management records were reviewed. Each reviewed Individualized Performance Plan (IPP) was developed after the initial Residential Assessment for Youth (RAY)/ Youth Needs Assessment Summary (YNAS) and signed by the treatment team leader, youth, administrative representatives, treatment staff, living unit representatives, and education staff. Reviewed documentation for each youth case management record demonstrated each IPP was mailed to the parent/guardian. Five youth records documented IPPs were not developed within thirty days of the youth’s admission. One was developed four days late, one was seven days late, one was nine days ...

    • Limited compliance, DJJ review : Indicator 2.20 Educational Access (Critical)

      The program shall integrate educational instruction (career and technical education, as well as academic instruction) into the daily schedule in such a way ensuring the integrity of required instructional time. The program’s education component is directly supervised and managed by the Palm Beach County School District. Reviewed documentation, and an interview with the lead educator indicated the school districts accepted academic calendar for the education programming provided 250 days of instruction distributed over twelve months and included up to ten days of teacher planning or training. Seven interviewed youth reported classes were being held with minimal disruption. A review of the program’s video and logbooks showed there were inconsistencies of the youth arriving to class at the scheduled times. Three days of reviewed video found fifteen classes were observed and only one teacher started with the youth in the classroom on time. Video review indicated classes began between three and thirty minutes late for fourteen out of the fifteen start times. Furthermore, three logbook entries indicated youth were eighteen to twenty minutes late for class.

  11. Jun 30, 2022 SPEP - FY21-22
  12. Jun 30, 2022 SPEP - FY21-22
  13. Jun 30, 2022 SPEP - FY21-22
  14. Jun 30, 2021 SPEP - FY20-21
  15. Jun 30, 2021 SPEP - FY20-21
  16. Jun 30, 2021 SPEP - FY20-21
  17. Jun 30, 2020 SPEP - FY19-20
  18. Jun 30, 2020 SPEP - FY19-20
  19. Jun 30, 2020 SPEP - FY19-20
  20. Jun 30, 2019 SPEP - FY18-19
  21. Jun 30, 2019 SPEP - FY18-19
  22. Jun 30, 2019 SPEP - FY18-19
  23. Jun 30, 2018 SPEP - FY17-18
  24. Jun 30, 2018 SPEP - FY17-18
  25. Jun 30, 2018 SPEP - FY17-18

Connections on the network map

The companies, people and programs our research map ties to this program. Open it on the network map.

Ownership

  • Correctional Services Corporation operated 1997-1999
  • Sequel Youth and Family Services operated 2016-2022; operated (2016)

Documents

Documents on file (4)

Materials and links

Licensing and inspection reports

Staff listing or directory

Reference and research

Archived pages

From SCIAD NET.

Record updated . Generated from the Kids Over Profits facility database. Suggest a correction