Three Springs Inc.

Programs it has run

25 on record, open ones first.

• Union Juvenile Residential Facility Raiford, Florida | 2009-present | Open
• Auldern Academy Siler City, North Carolina | 2001-2021 | Closed
• Brighter Path Courtland Courtland, Alabama | 2022 | Transferred
• Jemison Boys Home Jemison, Alabama | Closed
• Kissimmee Youth Academy Kissimmee, Florida | 2016 | Transferred
• L.E.A.P.S. Program at Duck River Centerville, Tennessee | 1990-2008 | Closed
• Lexington Academy Lexington, Indiana | 2010-2017 | Closed
• Marion Youth Academy Ocala, Florida | 2010 | Transferred
• McIntosh Youth Development Center Darien, Georgia | Closed
• Mountain Home Academy Mountain Home, Idaho | 2010-2021 | Closed
• New Directions Home for Boys Closed
• New Dominion School of Maryland Old Town, Maryland | 1981-2008 | Closed
• New Dominion School of Virginia Dillwyn, Virginia | 1976-2009 | Closed
• Pathway of Madison County Owens Cross Rds, Alabama | 2010 | Transferred
• Sequel TSI of North Carolina Pittsboro, North Carolina | 2009-2010 | Closed
• Sequel TSI Paint Rock Valley Trenton, Alabama | 1985-2011 | Closed
• Sequel TSI Sierra Vista Hereford, Arizona | 2009-2011 | Closed
• Three Springs of Augusta Augusta, Georgia | 1993-2007 | Closed
• Three Springs of Blue Ridge Blue Ridge, Georgia | 1993 | Closed
• Three Springs of Duck River Centerville, Tennessee | Closed
• Three Springs of St. Johns St Augustine, Florida
• Three Springs School of Madison Madison, Alabama | 1999-2019 | Closed
• Three Springs School of Tuskegee Tuskegee, Alabama | 2001-2009 | Transferred
• Wayne County Girls Program Jesup, Georgia | ?-2006 | Closed
• Withlacoochee Juvenile Residential Facility Lacoochee, Florida | 1978 | Closed

People

The people the network map ties to the company, with their other jobs in the industry.

• James Mac O'Connor

  Co-founder of New Dominion School

• Beverly Richard

  Senior Vice President, and formerly Three Springs, Inc

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Sequel Youth and Family Services Senior Vice President, and formerly Three Springs, Inc

• Richard Block

  Vice President of Public Programs at Three Springs

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Sequel Youth and Family Services Vice President of Public Programs

• Tony Harper

  Vice President of Human Resources at Three Springs

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Sequel Youth and Family Services Vice President of Human Resources

• Raquel Barnes

  COO/admissions director

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Lone Star Expeditions admissions director
  • King George School admissions director

• Angie Fusco

  Executive Director at Eagle Summit

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Auldern Academy Former Executive Director (2013)
  • Kissimmee Youth Academy Former Counselor, Counselor Supervisor, Assistant Administrator, Special Projects Manager, Program Administrator and Director of Organizational Development, Director of Organizational Development (2009)
  • Eagle Summit Former Program Administrator, Administrator, Executive Director (2008-2011)
  • Three Springs Paint Rock Valley Residential Counselor (1992)

• Scott Boice

  Clinical Director

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • New Haven RTC Executive Clinical Director
  • Hidden Lake Academy Former Staff (2025)
  • Pacific Quest Former Staff (2025)
  • Sequel TSI Paint Rock Valley Former Staff (2025)
  • Devereux Foundation Senior Clinical Therapist & Treatment Team Lead
  • InnerChange Director of Clinical Operations

• Simone Griffith

  Director of Nursing, Chairperson of Three Springs/Sequel Nursing Manual Development Team

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Auldern Academy Nurse

• Tere Snodgrass

  admissions, marketing director

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Provo Canyon School Former Southeast Regional Director of Business Development, Business Dev. (2006-2022)
  • Second Nature Wilderness Program Former Admissions (2021)
  • Academy at Canyon Creek Former Admissions and marketing (2007)
  • Aspen Achievement Academy Former Admissions and marketing (2007)
  • Silverado Academy Former Assistant Admissions Director (2007)
  • Kissimmee Youth Academy Former Admissions and marketing (2006)
  • Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness Former Admissions (2021)
  • Open Sky Wilderness Therapy Former Professional Relations/Admissions Director (2025)

News coverage

• Essential reporting

  Chris Kirkham's investigation of Youth Services International and its owner, James Slattery: abuse, medical neglect and unreported incidents across the company's juvenile facilities, alongside its lobbying for privatization.

  Prisoners of Profit - The Huffington Post The Huffington Post | Oct 22, 2013 | corporate About one of its programs

  An investigative report examining private, for-profit juvenile correctional facilities operated by James F. Slattery and companies such as Youth Services International. The report details widespread allegations of staff misconduct, physical and sexual abuse, medical neglect, unsanitary conditions, and failures to report major incidents amidst aggressive political lobbying and state privatization efforts.

• Multiple Resident Escapes Reported at Madison County Youth Facility Amid Staffing Concerns WHNT Huntsville | Oct 13, 2026 | lawsuit About one of its programs

  Nine teenagers ran away from the Pathway of Madison County facility in three separate group escapes over a 48-hour period. Sources and local officials cited concerns regarding understaffing, lack of access to scheduled therapy, and historical safety violations, prompting renewed scrutiny and legal actions from the city.

• 6 juveniles escape Pathway Facility in Owens Cross Roads WAFF | Oct 11, 2026 | event About one of its programs

  Six juveniles left the Pathway Facility, a residential treatment and foster care center for troubled teen girls, on Saturday morning in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama. Local law enforcement located the youths, who were later returned to the facility after coordination with out‑of‑county deputies.

• Two Defendants Resolve Criminal Cases with Plea Deals at Ocala Courthouse Ocala StarBanner | Feb 7, 2023 | arrest About one of its programs

  The article text is inaccessible due to a restricted access message on the publisher's website. Consequently, no factual details regarding the reported court proceedings or felony charges could be extracted.

• fake shell of a company that John Ripley (Founder) used to buy out Sequel APM Reports | Apr 26, 2022 | expose About one of its programs

  Sequel Youth & Family Services, a former chain of residential treatment centers, has closed or sold most of its facilities following repeated allegations of staff misconduct, sexual misconduct, and safety violations. The company’s operations were scrutinized after a 2020 incident in which a 16‑year‑old boy died after being restrained by staff. In response, Sequel has transferred many centers to new ownership under Vivant Behavioral Healthcare and other entities while settling lawsuits with affected families.

• Sequel to close New Mexico youth facility amid more abuse allegations | APM Reports APM Reports | Dec 3, 2021 | closure About one of its programs

  Sequel Youth & Family Services agreed to close Bernalillo Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after a state investigation documented physical abuse, excessive restraints, and inadequate supervision of autistic residents. The closure follows multiple prior investigations and the shutdown of several other Sequel facilities nationwide.

• Sequel Youth Facilities Face Abuse Allegations Amid Profit Claims NBC News | Dec 16, 2020 | expose About one of its programs

  The article reports that Sequel youth facilities have generated significant revenue while facing allegations of abuse toward children in their care. It highlights concerns about the facilities' operational practices and oversight mechanisms.

• Marion Youth Academy Employee Arrested on Child Abuse Charges Ocala StarBanner | Apr 29, 2020 | arrest About one of its programs

  An employee at Marion Youth Academy was arrested and charged with child abuse following an investigation into staff misconduct at the facility. The report involves allegations of unlawful actions by a staff member against a youth in residential custody.

• In wake of killing and escapes, Madison revokes Three Springs business license AL.com | Aug 13, 2019 | closure About one of its programs

  Madison officials revoked the business license of Three Springs after a teen death and multiple escape incidents were reported at the facility. The revocation follows investigations into safety violations and the circumstances surrounding the killing.

• Child battery investigation closes Union Juvenile Residential Facility, officials say CBS 4 | Jul 17, 2019 | closure About one of its programs

  The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice revoked its contract with Sequel TSI and initiated the removal of all youth from the Union Juvenile Residential Facility following a battery investigation and allegations of failing to report an incident. The facility, which housed male juvenile offenders, was temporarily closed while the Sheriff's Office investigated staff and inmate conduct.

• Former troubled youth counselor indicted on student sex charges (2019-03-07) al.com | Mar 7, 2019 | general About one of its programs
• FORMER COUNSELOR RE-INDICTED ON STUDENT SEX CHARGES (2018-10-08) waaytv.com | Oct 8, 2018 | general About one of its programs
• Three Springs employee speaks against facility's safety (2017-10-17) waff.com | Oct 17, 2017 | general About one of its programs
• Three Springs murder suspects say they're 'innocent' and 'praying' for victim's family (2017-09-07) waff.com | Sep 7, 2017 | general About one of its programs
• City of Madison addresses Three Springs security concerns (2017-08-17) waff.com | Aug 17, 2017 | general About one of its programs
• Madison youth counselor charged with sex with students (2017-07-21) waff.com | Jul 21, 2017 | general About one of its programs
• UPDATE: Teens missing from Three Springs in Madison located (2017-03-21) whnt.com | Mar 21, 2017 | general About one of its programs
• Funding, Oversight Next Questions for Florida’s Private Youth Prison System Juvenile Justice Information Exchange | Aug 29, 2016 | corporate About one of its programs

  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.

• Youth Services shares rise on acquisition Owing Mills firm buying Alabama based Three Springs; Stock price climbs 14%; $27 million deal could boost revenue by more than a third (2016-04-17) baltimoresun.com | Apr 17, 2016 | general About one of its programs
• Is Youth Services International Finally Out of Business? | The Imprint The Imprint | Mar 21, 2016 | lawsuit About one of its programs

  Youth Services International settled a lawsuit with former employees and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, returning $2 million to the state and terminating its contracts. The settlement followed allegations that the company falsified documents related to hiring and services. The company’s Florida operations ceased, and its website now lists only programs that have been shut down.

• Marion Youth Academy Counselor Arrested Following Physical Assault of Resident Orlando Sentinel | Feb 14, 2015 | arrest About one of its programs

  A youth counselor at Marion Youth Academy was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse after surveillance footage showed him striking a 16-year-old resident with a handheld radio. The incident reportedly occurred following an argument involving the resident throwing paper. The facility superintendent reported the altercation to deputies.

• Marion Youth Academy Staff Member Arrested on Child Abuse Charges WESH | Feb 13, 2015 | arrest About one of its programs

  A staff member at the Marion Youth Academy in Ocala, Florida, was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse following an incident captured on surveillance video. According to incident reports, the employee struck a resident in the head with a hand-held radio and physically assaulted him, resulting in injuries that required medical treatment.

• Former Three Springs Residential Treatment Center youth camp to be sold at auction (2011-06-17) chathamjournal.com | Jun 17, 2011 | general About one of its programs
• Posted September 15, 2003 (2003-09-15) strugglingteens.com | Sep 15, 2003 | general About one of its programs
• Mother Reaches Settlement in Juvenile Facility Custody Death Case Midland Daily News | Jan 15, 2003 | lawsuit About one of its programs

  The mother of a 14-year-old boy who experienced a death by suicide while in state custody at a juvenile facility operated by Three Springs Inc. has reached a confidential financial settlement with the company and four employees. The lawsuit alleged that staff failed in their supervisory duties and that required prescription medication was not administered to the youth prior to the incident.

• Questions raised on care after juvenile kills himself (2001-09-14) news.google.com | Sep 14, 2001 | general About one of its programs
• Juvenile center faces questions (2001-09-05) news.google.com | Sep 5, 2001 | general About one of its programs
• Youth Services International Terminates Acquisition of Three Springs Inc. Baltimore Sun | Jun 29, 1996 | corporate About one of its programs

  Youth Services International Inc. terminated its planned acquisition of Three Springs Inc., a provider of adolescent residential and wilderness programs, after financial reviews indicated the earnings expectations were misaligned. The decision resulted in a stock price decline for the publicly traded acquiring company. Both corporate entities operate programs for youths.

• Youth Services International Announces Acquisition of Three Springs Inc. Baltimore Sun | Apr 17, 1996 | corporate About one of its programs

  Youth Services International Inc. announced a letter of intent to acquire Three Springs Inc., an Alabama-based operator of adolescent programs including a therapeutic wilderness program, for approximately $27 million in stock. Financial analysts noted the acquisition would expand Youth Services' market reach and increase revenue by more than a third.

• News & Views - Jul, 1999 Issue #59 (1999-07) strugglingteens.com | general About one of its programs
• News & Views - Nov, 1999 Issue #63 (1999-11) strugglingteens.com | general About one of its programs
• Schools & Program Visits - Aug, 1998 Issue #53 (1998-08) strugglingteens.com | general About one of its programs
• Opinion & Essays - Oct, 1997 Issue (1997-10) strugglingteens.com | general About one of its programs
• Schools & Program Visits - AUG, 1995 Issue #35 (1995-08) strugglingteens.com | general About one of its programs
• News & Views, 8/1993 - "Boot Camp" Programs (1993-08) strugglingteens.com | general About one of its programs
• Seen 'n Heard - Dec, 1993 Issue (page 1). (1993-12) strugglingteens.com | general About one of its programs
• Seen 'n Heard, 10/1993 - Short news clips about Special Schools & Programs (1993-10) strugglingteens.com | general About one of its programs
• Schools, Programs, & Visit Reports - Feb, 1992 Issue (1992-02) strugglingteens.com | general About one of its programs
• Institution in Idaho for Oregon foster children off limits | ktvb.com ktvb.com | general About one of its programs
• over 100 incidents of aberrant sexual behavior by five children over at least three months, and possibly as far back as seven months features.apmreports.org | general About one of its programs
• tampabay.com: camp offers second chance for wayward juveniles tampabay.com | general About one of its programs
• Schools & Program Visits - Dec, 1996 Issue #43 (1996-12) strugglingteens.com | general About one of its programs
• Allegations of poor conditions at Brighter Path Courtland WAFF | expose About one of its programs

  A lawyer described conditions at Brighter Path Courtland as unacceptable, citing issues such as unsanitary environments, restrictive practices, and punitive measures. The statements raise concerns about the facility's compliance with state regulations and the wellbeing of the youths residing there.

• State Ends Juvenile-Detention Firm Contract WUSF | closure About one of its programs

  Following a period of controversy, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice terminated its contract with the for-profit operator Youth Services International. The decision concludes the state's official relationship with the youth detention firm.

Lawsuits

• Anna Claire Bates and Jane Doe v. Sequel Youth and Family Services, LLC; Sequel TSI Holdings, LLC; Brighter Path Alabama, LLC (formerly Sequel TSI of Alabama); Sequel TSI of Auldern, LLC; and John Ripley 2023 | In progress | U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama (Southern Division) | 2:23-cv-01063

  Outcome: Partial motion to dismiss denied July 3, 2024 (all counts survive). Ripley's motion to dismiss the second amended complaint denied Oct. 14, 2025; his motion to certify an interlocutory appeal and stay denied Jan. 12, 2026. No settlement or class ruling seen on the docket.

  Two former residents brought a proposed class action under the federal anti-trafficking law, saying Sequel made children in its programs work without pay as cleaners and groundskeepers, under threat of punishment, to save on staff. Bates says that at Auldern Academy in North Carolina (2016-2017) students did campus labor and were punished with 'Refocus' (hauling rocks, restricted food, sleeping on the floor) and 'Non-com' isolation. Jane Doe says that at Sequel Montgomery (Dec. 2014-fall 2015) children who refused work were restrained, kept longer or locked in a closet-sized seclusion room, and that she was sexually abused by a male employee and later by a social worker. In July 2024 the court refused to dismiss any claim, finding the complaint plausibly alleged a company-wide scheme, and in 2025 it kept co-founder John Ripley in the case.

• Case: USA v. Youth Services International, Inc. 2006 | Dismissed | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 1:06-cv-01760

  Outcome: ORDER granting 3 Joint Motion to Dismiss; ORDER ADMINISTRATIVELY CLOSING the case.

  The United States Department of Justice brought a civil action against Youth Services International, Inc. alleging violations of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lawsuit stemmed from the facility's failure to provide sign language interpretation services and auxiliary aids to a deaf juvenile resident. Concurrently with the filing of the complaint, the parties moved for conditional dismissal based on a settlement agreement requiring remediation and compliance measures.

• J.P. v. Sequel TSI of Alabama, M.D. Ala. 3:22-cv-190, notice of removal Unknown

Every case in the lawsuit directory

Business filings

This company's registrations with the states, as their business registers list them.

Materials and links

Survivor posts and discussion

• facebook.com: 15Yh7sKXgy
• facebook.com: 15n4h3wy44
• fornits.com: topic,26223.15
• fornits.com: topic,26223.msg319659
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• fornits.com: topic,26223.msg320676
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• fornits.com: topic,26223.msg320977
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• I finally finished a book I was told to read in my abusive TTI program : r/troubledteens