Statement from the Board of Teen Services and Teen Haven
Teen Services and Teen Haven acknowledges the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the organisation, which has faced longstanding operational and financial challenges. After the former administration and Executive Director departed, a volunteer management committee sustained the organisation by maintaining operations, recruiting staff, and ensuring the continued delivery of essential residential services. Despite these efforts, the organisation has been unable to overcome its longstanding challenges, and the Board has made the difficult decision to cease operations effective December 31, 2026. The former Board of Directors has since dissolved, with the volunteer committee continuing to provide interim oversight during this transition.
Upon assuming responsibility, the committee identified significant financial and administrative deficiencies, including the absence of critical historical records and supporting financial documentation. An independent audit was commissioned; however, it could not be completed because insufficient historical information existed to substantiate the organization’s financial position. The committee has also been unable to secure a formal lease agreement for the premises, further complicating efforts to establish long-term operational stability. These circumstances, compounded by limited financial resources, have significantly restricted the organization’s ability to rectify inherited challenges and establish a sustainable path forward.
Notwithstanding these difficulties, the volunteer management committee has worked diligently to maintain the facility and its essential services for the women and children currently residing at Teen Haven. Significant strides have been made toward facilitating alternative housing arrangements, including obtaining signed consent and information-release forms from residents to engage relevant housing agencies and community partners on their behalf. These efforts remain ongoing, with the committee focused on coordinating an orderly and responsible transition ahead of the facility’s closure.
As Teen Services and Teen Haven approaches the end of its operations, the committee’s immediate financial priority remains covering the essential costs of maintaining the facility and supporting its residents. We are deeply saddened that an organisation established to serve vulnerable women and children has reached this point. While the circumstances are regrettable, the volunteer management committee remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities with transparency, compassion, and accountability, ensuring that the remaining time and resources available are directed toward the needs of those currently in our care.
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Statement from the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors
The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors is aware that Teen Haven/Teen Services is scheduled to dissolve in December 2026.
For decades, the Government has supported Teen Haven/Teen Services through grants, recognising the organisation’s important contribution to Bermuda’s young people, young mothers, and families. Founded in 1967, the non-profit organisation has provided counselling, sexual and reproductive health support, career education, and residential services to those in need.
The Government acknowledges the significant contribution that Teen Haven/Teen Services has made to the community and regrets that the organisation is approaching closure.
Government remains committed to supporting a responsible transition that prioritises the wellbeing of residents and their children. Teen Haven/Teen Services remains an independent charitable organization governed by its Board of Directors, which is responsible for decisions regarding the organization’s future and dissolution.
In accordance with section 23(1) of the Charities Act 2014, the Registrar General initiated the appointment of an Administrator to assist Teen Haven/Teen Services with the management of its affairs and provide a period in which the organisation could strengthen its governance, compliance and operational framework. Following the organization’s acceptance of this intervention, the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors provided the assistance of an Administrator and an Interim Executive Director to support those improvements and ensure continuity of services.
In April 2026, the Government provided an Administrator and an Interim Executive Officer to support Teen Haven/Teen Services during a period of organisational challenges and transition. Their role was to assist the organisation in strengthening its operational processes, administrative procedures, governance practices, and service delivery functions so that critical matters could be addressed in an organised and responsible manner. The Administrator and Interim Executive Officer were not appointed to oversee the dissolution of the organisation, but rather to support operational stability and continuity of services during this period.
Through these efforts, progress has been made in several key areas:
- Resident Support and Transition Planning
Work has been undertaken to engage housing service providers and relevant agencies to identify suitable accommodation and support options for residents based on their individual circumstances. Residents have been kept informed of developments and have been provided opportunities to participate in planning their next steps.
- Operational, Infrastructure and Compliance Matters
Attention has been given to addressing a range of operational and compliance issues, including building infrastructure and fire safety matters. Assessments and consultations have been undertaken to identify outstanding requirements and support informed decision-making by the organisation.
- Employment-Related Matters
The Board will pursue employment matters with the Department of Labour to bring resolution where possible. This process is being managed through the appropriate statutory mechanisms.
The Government’s involvement has been directed towards supporting vulnerable residents, assisting the organisation to strengthen its operations, and helping to ensure that services continue to be delivered responsibly during this transitional period. The Ministry remains focused on ensuring that affected residents receive appropriate support and that the transition is managed with care, dignity, and accountability.
The Ministry cannot provide further details on operational matters related to Teen Haven/Teen Services. Additional media enquiries regarding the organisation and its dissolution should be directed to Teen Haven/Teen Services and its Board of Directors.
