Venture Academy Responds to Global News Investigation: Urgent Details Inside

UPDATE: Venture Academy has issued a statement regarding the ongoing investigation by Global News, following a request for an interview that was declined. The academy, which has faced allegations from former youth, employees, and parents, cited “confidentiality and privacy” as reasons for not answering specific questions about its operations.

In an urgent email response, Karen Stevenson, spokesperson for Venture Academy, instructed reporters to refer to a previous statement as the company’s official response. She emphasized that “a large number of the premises underlying your questions are inaccurate.” However, when pressed for clarification on which aspects were incorrect, Venture Academy did not provide any specifics.

The situation escalated when reporters informed the academy they would send further questions via email. Instead, Stevenson provided Global News with a statement dated June 26, 2025, before the reporters could share their findings. This statement highlighted results from Venture Academy’s internal survey but failed to disclose critical data, including methodology and sample size.

Venture Academy claims to have been a vital resource for youth and families in crisis for over two decades. The organization asserts that it offers tailored programs that surpass the standards found in traditional government-funded services. In their statement, they included the following survey results to bolster their claims:

– 99% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that their child’s emotional health improved while in the program.
– 99% of parents felt their child benefitted from the program.
– 95% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they reduced or stopped concerning behaviors.
– 98% of youth agreed or strongly agreed their family relationships improved.
– 97% of youth agreed or strongly agreed that they had a positive overall experience during their time at Venture Academy.

These numbers are meant to illustrate the academy’s impact on youth and families, but the lack of transparency regarding the survey’s methodology raises questions. Parents and the community are left seeking clarity amid the ongoing investigation.

As the investigation unfolds, the public is urged to stay tuned for updates on this developing story. The implications of these findings could resonate deeply within the community, as families weigh the effectiveness and ethical considerations of such programs.

What happens next? Expect to see more from both Venture Academy and Global News as they navigate this critical situation. The community’s response and future actions from the academy will be pivotal in determining the next steps in this unfolding narrative.