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Brown Schools facility is not worth it so far
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 13, 2001 There have been four incidents of escape from the Brown Schools in Beverly Hills in the past seven months. Two occurences more frequent than that have been the amount of criticism from state agencies and the turnover of staff at the facility, which provides education and treatment for adolescents with serious emotional and behavioral problems. Viewed in sum, that news especially should concern those who live near the facility, many of whom have opposed the Brown Schools since their controversial arrival in July 2000. But it also should worry residents elsewhere in the county, who are footing the bill for the sheriff to capture the escapees and ensure the public's safety. The Brown Schools facility had a dark cloud over its head from the beginning. The Economic Development Commission, anxious -- overanxious, some say -- to justify its existence by creating jobs and tax revenue in the county, announced it had secured a tenant for the vacant Heritage Hospital on County Road 491. But the EDC failed to gauge the community's support of such a facility, resulting in resentment and fear from those who knew little of the center's purpose. Residents near the facility mobilized to oppose the Brown Schools, citing safety and declining property values as potential pitfalls. Since then, Brown Schools officials have fueled those concerns by allowing escapes and failing to meet the standards set for them by the state Department of Children and Families. The facility has been warned repeatedly about lax security, inadequate staffing levels and sloppy record-keeping. At one point, the state said the facility could not accept new admissions. Most recently, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Citrus County Sheriff's Office have examined allegations of sexual abuse among residents. Considering the scrutiny from government and law enforcement agencies, as well as the public's skepticism, it would seem the Brown Schools not only would meet all expectations, but exceed them. Instead, the facility's inability, or unwillingness, to do that lends credibility to their critics, and puts the Brown Schools in the no-win position of living down to their detractors' expectations. Bert Brown, who founded the organization about 60 years ago, once said, "I don't believe a child is lost as long as one person in the world has faith in him." That's a commendable and benevolent philosophy that has helped many troubled young people. But the Brown Schools must realize that to succeed, the public must have faith not only in the institution's mission, but in its operation. In Citrus County, the school is testing the public's trust, as well as its faith. BROWN SCHOOLS COVERAGETwo investigations generate new Brown Schools concern News good this year for Brown Schools Brown releases plan to improve Report finds problems at Brown Schools Incidents at facility increase concerns Officers catch Brown Schools' boys Facility zoning faces challenge Police visit new youth home often Brown Schools await zoning review
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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