Posted on 08/06/2003 2:10:46 PM PDT by jgrubbs
Homeschoolers Face Aggressive Child Protection Investigators Social Worker Tries to Force Parents Into "Training" Classes The Wilkins family (name changed) was homeschooling their children in Palm Bay, pursuant to the Florida home school law. Little did they know their life would turn upside down when the Dad was seen lightly spanking their two-year old on the diaper in a parking lot.
The anonymous tipster called the police who met the homeschool father at the home when he returned. The father showed the police the 2-year old and they were satisfied that there was no injury. However, the incident was referred to the Florida Department of Children and Families. A social worker came to the home and talked at length with the parents and children. Although the social worker found no evidence of abuse, she demanded that the parents: 1) take 22 weeks of parenting classes through the County, 2) have a social worker visit once a month for an indefinite period of time to see how they are doing, and 3) sign a statement of release allowing the social worker to get documents and medical records from any source they choose. Then she indicated that they would seek a court order if the family did not cooperate.
At this point the family contacted Home School Legal Defense Association because they did not believe that the law required them to fulfill the demands of this social worker.
HSLDA Attorney Chris Klicka contacted the child protective investigator who at first did not want to back down from her demands. She indicated that the family was at risk. When Chris Klicka asked why, she told him the Wilkins have a large family (four children), they homeschool and have a low profile in the community, and they do not have daily contact with trained people who can detect child abuse, such as those who run the local public school. She also admitted that the children look fine and there was no marks on them, nor any concerns that abuse was actually taking place.
After much discussion on the phone, the social worker insisted that she would need to get a court order if her earlier demands were not satisfied. HSLDA immediately responded with a 4-page letter explaining that the Florida statutes say "corporal discipline of a child by a parent…for disciplinary purposes, does not constitute abuse when it does not result in harm to the child." This statute further explains that corporal punishment would only be abusive if there were clear-cut injuries (sprains, dislocations, or significant bruises). Furthermore, Mr. Klicka pointed out that in order for a child to be taken from a family, or a court order issued, there must evidence that the children are under substantial risk of eminent abuse or neglect.
In this case, the fact that they have a large family homeschool, and no contact with daycare centers or public schools, is not sufficient evidence to constitute a substantial risk of abuse.
Mr. Klicka ended the letter by establishing the constitutional and statutory right of a family to homeschool and the fact that if her risk factors were applied, every homeschool family in the state of Florida would be guilty of abuse.
The social worker finally withdrew her demands and the family is able to continue homeschooling without further harassment.
At best the social worker should be fired and blackballed (won't happen). At worst, she should be disciplined. That won't happen either. A shame.What the He11 is wrong with CPS in FL? Seems like there's a story like this every other week. Come on, Jeb... get it straightened out!
If you think homeschool parents are suspect--try homebirth!
Actually, here in Duval Co. (Jacksonville/ conservative north) homeschool children who meet minimum requirements for admission can receive 2 free years of college credit for their 11th and 12th graders through the dual enrollment program at FCCJ. There is a wonderful lady at the school board named Betty who is courteous, informative and supportive.
So my question is, after Columbine, et. al. shouldn't any parent who doesn't homeschool be suspect?
But in other cases it might be? Taking care of your own family is ipso facto a risk of abuse? Nertz to these people; get out of our lives already!
First mistake...NEVER EVER let a case worker or social worker in your home unless they have a warrant and then do not meet with them unless you have counsel present. More info on how to protect yourself can be found at
Translation: Not under our control.
Many years ago I had a young dog...maybe barely two years of age. She was a great dog...but liked to eat our garden hose. Ha!!
As things happen...over time my 25 ft. hose turned into a 10 ft. hose. One evening I came home...and I caught the dog gnawing the hose again...I grabbed her by the nape of the neck and had the end of the hose in my other hand...I had her pinned to the ground and I beat the snot out of the ground next to her head with the end of the hose. I was yelling... "No"... everytime I whacked the ground. It probably sounded like I was killing the dog....cause she was yelping, and I was yelling...and whacking the heck out of the ground. But I never once touched the dog with the hose...I recalled right about then hearing my neighbor's grown nutball daughter carrying on about something..but didn't pay it much attention. As she was a nut. Ha!!
A couple days later....I have this guy come to the door...and he introduces himself...as being from the Humane Society. He asks to see our dog...
About this time, I figure out the nutball daughter "turned me in"...and I explain to him what happened.....We go back in the yard...and the dog of course is wagging her tail and jumping on me...licking me with her tongue, and wasn't effected at all by the "beating". the guy apologizes...and leaves. Just doing his job, ya know.
Anyway..I chaulk it up to.."that's life, living next door to idiots"..Hehehe..
About 6 months later....I'm in my backyard...and I hear this daughter just screaming at her kid...and the kid has that whinney cry..and maybe not feeling good. The mom was obviously tired..and it's late at night..,I dunno...but the mom is just literally screaming at this kid to shut up!!!!! Oh baby...I came real close to calling DHS on her. HA!! But I'd never just jump the gun on something like that........The girl was nutty..but I knew she loved that kid...and I never witnessed her mistreating the kid.
Anyway....this thread reminded me of that story. Oh yeah...the dog never ever gnawed on the hose again...!!!! HA!!!
Fwiw-
"So my question is, after Columbine, et. al. shouldn't any parent who doesn't homeschool be suspect?"
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You go,....Dutchgirl..!!!!
Funny you mention homebirthing...We would have done that. But it was more money...so we ended up having both kids at the doctor's office. No problems...no hassles. Home the same day....
Still took some incoming flak from friends and family....Oh well...that's life.
FRegards,
I was so fed up, I plugged in an outdoor extension cord, threw out in the yard, got home that day, cord was chewed up, breaker was tripped, and the dog never chewed anything ever again. No, he wasn't dead or injured, just a lot less interested in chewing things!
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