Concerns are mounting over the operations and conditions at the Teen Haven / Teen Service facility, with insiders now calling for a full government investigation and even the possible shutdown of the organization.
In an exclusive interview, a former insider, who chose to remain anonymous, described the current state of Teen Haven as “deeply troubling,” saying the facility no longer serves its original purpose of helping young women and mothers in crisis.
“I think there should be a big investigation into all aspects of how it’s being run,” the insider said. “The board doesn’t really have the information needed to investigate themselves. There’s no longer a teen service, as I remember it. The only thing that still exists is the Outstanding Teen Awards, and that’s run by a separate group outside of Teen Haven.”
According to the source, the once vital programs designed to support young women and their children have disappeared, leaving residents with little to no real assistance.
“There are no programs. So how are we really helping these people?” they questioned. “I’d rather see these young women and their children in another place — maybe at Home, the Women’s Resource Centre, or the Centre Against Abuse. Something needs to change.”
The insider also raised serious concerns about the physical state of the facility, describing unsafe and deteriorating conditions.
“The building itself is very run down. The plumbing was a mess years ago and has never been fixed. The windows need more security. One ceiling even fell in. It really needs to be looked at in a wider range than what people think.”
Beyond infrastructure, allegations of nepotism and mismanagement have surfaced. The insider pointed to Executive Director Wendy Augustus, claiming she controls the finances and operational decisions — and that several of her family members have been employed by the organization over time.
“It’s been a friends-and-family type of organization,” the insider said. “Her daughter worked there — she had a marketing degree and did good work — but there were personal conflicts. Her son was brought on for security but was later fired by the chairman after serious issues were reported. Even her sister worked there for a short time.”
The source alleged that the information provided to the board by Augustus has been “selective,” leaving members unable to exercise proper oversight.
“If the executive director is giving them limited or filtered information, how can the board really be responsible?” they asked.
When asked what steps the Bermuda government should take, the insider urged swift intervention.
“The government needs to come on board. Minister Tinee Furbert already knows a lot about what’s been going on,” they said. “But if this organization doesn’t have its ducks in order, then it shouldn’t have charity status. The government needs to either close it or completely revamp it — maybe keep it as The Haven and bring in someone new to run it.”
The allegations come as more voices, including teenage survivor, continue to speak out about conditions within Teen Haven. Community members and advocates are now calling for transparency, accountability, and reform to ensure Bermuda’s most vulnerable young women receive the safe and supportive environment they deserve.
Government officials have yet to issue a formal response regarding the claims or potential next steps.
TNN News spoke with Executive Director Wendy Augustus about these allegations stated “No Comment” but the Board will be releasing a statement in due course.
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