Posted on 09/26/2002 11:55:18 PM PDT by Swordmaker
I suggest you look up "ritalin scam" on the web (or here.) You'll probably find a number of resources. Here's one http://proliberty.com/observer/20010912.htm
She may even be able to find a lawyer who is willing to help her without charge.
Otherwise, she may want to try to threaten them with an investigation into how many kids they've forced onto drugs, and for what reason.
It's obvious that the school is bullying this mom because she's lacking in resources. She may even try going to the press. I hate to advocate the media, but they would just love a story like this -- poor, single mom being pushed around by a school.
Also, if she has medical coverage, she may want to take her child to a psychologist of her own choosing, to prove that the school's diagnosis is bogus.
Best of luck. I hope it works out for her and her son.
First of all, it's anything but "free". The only difference for most property owners is, do we pay once, or twice -- once for public, and once for private school.
Second, let's not start beating up on a single mom who doesn't have the financial resources to send her kids to private school. Until vouchers/school choice become available to everyone, let's give helpful advice, not insults added to injury.
1. Move out of the state.
2. Home school the child.
The child's welfare is at stake and cannot be taken lightly.
If these boobs determine that he has a "condition" or a "syndrome" he will be placed on court ordered medication and that will be the ball game.
She needs to take him out of their reach.
The idea of recording a session is also nuts.
When ours were still in a state indoctrination institute (public school), we had a conference with princeiple, VP, and teacher. I said, "We don't send our children to school for therapy. We send them to learn to read, write, do math. Church and the family handle the rest."
I was figuratively patted on my head and told, "Yes, Mr. Phillips, we know that this was once the model for school. Now we have a more holistic model. EVERYTHING that concerns the child is our concern."
As I recall, my wife and I exchanged a glance that said, "The Hell it is."
Homeschooling now for maybe eight, nine years. One of the VERY best decisions we EVER made as parents.
Dan
Some of the strangest professionals I've ever known are psychologists or those with some sort of a counseling degree.
I simply do not agree that children should be remanded to these idiots for an hour or three per week. I'm not denying that some children may need to talk some issues out, but I am unconvinced that our public school system should be the screen mechinism for such referals.
If I understand the term correctly, I am convinced that our public education facility employees have developed an edifice complex that is both anti-family/parental civil rights, and dangerous to the welfare of our children.
Moscow on the Patomac
Obviously you are a liberal.
What business does the school have in getting involved in any issues Johnny may or may not have of the events surrounding Johnny's father's death? It has not affected his school work. He is not disruptive in class.
Why evaluate Johnny if nothing is wrong with him? This is a normal, well adjusted, HAPPY kid who is doing well in school. I just talked to his Mom and his last reportcard was all As and Bs.
Your attitude is similar to criticizing a person who has nothing to hide for objecting to a search warrant of his house and car because some functionary thinks without proof that evidence of something illicit MIGHT be found. Those types of search warrants are called "Fishing expeditions" and are not allowed under our laws. The school is wanting to go fishing in Johnny's head. That is worse.
What, pray tell, is "so controlling" about refusing unneeded counselling?
I have had several acquaintences who have had encounters with Child Protective Services in California with either CPS seizing their children or threatening to do so. Every one of the encounters was unfounded but resulted in very high expenses for the families involved for doctors, counsellors, and legal fees. EVERY one of these traumatic family experiences started with a school psychologist getting a bee up his or her behind about something said by a child in a school initiated meeting. I think a recording would be a GOOD idea.
I would take the advice the the non-family lawyer just posted a few replies ago. I would listen to the spiel, ask for credentials, etc.
Then I would tell them to get f'ed.
My $.02
Nope.
What business does the school have in getting involved in any issues Johnny may or may not have of the events surrounding Johnny's father's death? It has not affected his school work. He is not disruptive in class.
I assumed that something was amiss. If not then I agree with you. However it would not be uncommon for a parent to be in denial about the mental health of their child.
Why evaluate Johnny if nothing is wrong with him? This is a normal, well adjusted, HAPPY kid who is doing well in school. I just talked to his Mom and his last reportcard was all As and Bs.
The reverse is why not ? If I had a car mechanic say he would look over my car for free, why say no ? If I had a doctor offer me a free physical why say no ? If I was insecure about what the psychiatrist might bring up as issues especially if i didn't want to deal with them I would want to avoid it. If however I was only worried about the doctor they chose I would ask about his references, request an interveiw and if I felt he wasn't the right person I would request the school to pay another of my choosing. I certianly would want to still take them up on their offer to pay for an evaluation. Even a healthy person can benefit from evaluation and advice.
Your attitude is similar to criticizing a person who has nothing to hide for objecting to a search warrant of his house and car because some functionary thinks without proof that evidence of something illicit MIGHT be found. Those types of search warrants are called "Fishing expeditions" and are not allowed under our laws. The school is wanting to go fishing in Johnny's head. That is worse.
No, I didn't say she HAD to do it. I just said she would be nuts not to. There is a difference.
What, pray tell, is "so controlling" about refusing unneeded counselling?
There is nothing controlling about refusing uneeded counselling but in this case based on the facts given we have a teacher/school who apparently thinks there is a problem enough so that they are willing to spend the money on an evaluation and we have a parent who has jumped to an unfounded conclusion that she thinks the psychiatrist is going to put her kid on ritalin. (In fact, a life event like a death in the family is one factor that a professional would use to RULE OUT A.D.H.D. The hysterical reaction of the mother conveyed by this thread indicates the mom is hypersensitive and controlling. Which based on what happened to her and her son would be a reaction I wouldn't be surprised about.
I have had several acquaintences who have had encounters with Child Protective Services in California with either CPS seizing their children or threatening to do so. Every one of the encounters was unfounded but resulted in very high expenses for the families involved for doctors, counsellors, and legal fees. EVERY one of these traumatic family experiences started with a school psychologist getting a bee up his or her behind about something said by a child in a school initiated meeting. I think a recording would be a GOOD idea
I have my own first hand dealing with child services, as well as the juvenile courts with one of my own children. In one case I was wrongly accused of abuse by my oldest son and later I pushed them to remove my son from our home. I have ample experience with both the schools, the doctors and with family services and with the courts. I understand that one needs to be carefull with these folks but I also learned that they are a resource that can be managed to the advantage of both the parent and the child. I also know that taking the defensive posture that everyone is suggesting is the exact wrong way to move forward. No one will disagree that an evaluation (which is very different that counseling) should take place once the question is on the table. If she presses a court the court will appoint the child an attorney that is supposed to act in the childs best interest. The attorney for the child would be never make a claim that he didn't think an evaluation shouldn't take place. There is simply no reason to disagree.
As for recording the evaluation with the psychiatrist the reason its nuts to tape record it is because of the childs right to privacy. There would be no control over the use of the tape and the DR may be violating his ethical responsibility to the child if he allowed it. So, its nuts of the mother to insist on it.
I also can't wait to see the DCF folks show up. We have been through so much with them before that they cannot imtimidate us. I was joking with my wife that we should have a bag packed when they arrive. It makes them real nervous when they think the parent wants to dump their kid on them.
I agree w/ others who have said that she needs to go on the offensive. Forget attending or recording the visits -- refuse them entirely. SHE should go to the DA (not the school district's attorney, THE district attorney) first. She should threaten the school with any kinds of lawsuit she can imagine, even if she can't actually afford them. And she should contact local TV and newspaper reporters and portray it as a human interest story about the big bad school going after a poor single mom.
If you are not paying the bill, the doctor... or mechanic... or anyone providing a service, has no obligation to you. He is obligated to the person PAYING THE BILL. The school psychologist WILL share his evaluation with other school officials because he is THEIR employee, doing the examination of your kid for THEIR purposes, not yours. He is under NO obligation to report to you anything about his findings... in fact, you assert a "right to privacy" for the child that could be, and has been, construed to exclude parents from information gathered about THEIR children's health and status.
There is no "conclusion jumping" to wonder if the school might want to place one's child on Ritalin. It has happened many times where schools have COMPELLED parents under threat of losing their children to place a child on psychoactive drugs for diseases that have no objective proof of even existing. There are monetary incentives from state and national fundings for schools to have students diagnosed and medicated.
The psychoactive drugs such as Ritalin have REAL and DANGEROUS side effects. Permanent PHYSICAL changes in brain structure has been observed in patients taking almost all of these very potent drugs. Go get a copy of the latest Physicians Desk Reference and read the reported side effects of all of these drugs. You will find complications such as: homicidal ideation, suicide, tremors, dementia, depression, violence, psychosis... none pleasant. Once you open the door to these drug pushers you are no longer part of the decision loop for your child. They can (and HAVE) brought parents up on charges of child endangerment because the parents have objected to drugging their child because he figits in class when boring material is poorly presented.
You state that "taking a defensive position" as most here advocate is the WRONG thing to do. Doing anything else means acquiescing to the demands of the school district and starting the slide down what may be a very slippery slope. You go on to state "No one will disagree that an evaluation (which is very different that counseling) should take place once the question is on the table." Here you advocate taking an action placing HER child in the hands of someone who has the power to determine his complete future education with NO EVIDENCE that it is necessary. You have a remarkable confidence in the GOOD INTENTIONS of bureaucrats... which is really contrary to history.
I am appalled you are happy your child might be counselled for breaking the PC crowds idiotic censurship rules. I would be telling the person who called that he or she is an IDIOT to be concerned about a satirical song. If your son has "educational issues", quit being so niggardly and PAY a specialist to evaluate him. Why wait for the school to offer its "dime?"
Your opinions, actions, and gullibility mark you as a liberal. I hope you and your children will be happy in their nice new chains.
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