Child Not In School or Home Schooled?

[judgediatl]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ohio

I know someone who has pulled their children out of school due to issues with their kids not interacting well with the other children or teachers. The "idea" was to just home school them. However, it's clear that the children are possibly not receiving the structure or education they need home or that is required by state law.

What type of actions can the parents expect if this comes to light or is brought to the attention of the authorities and how can they protect themselves from possibly loosing their kids or having social services involved?

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ohio

I know someone who has pulled their children out of school due to issues with their kids not interacting well with the other children or teachers. The "idea" was to just home school them. However, it's clear that the children are possibly not receiving the structure or education they need home or that is required by state law.

What type of actions can the parents expect if this comes to light or is brought to the attention of the authorities and how can they protect themselves from possibly loosing their kids or having social services involved?

If you feel the children are in danger, report them to the appropriate authorities.

 

[judgediatl]

That is not the case. I feel the parents are good people and are great with their children. I know they had the best of intentions, I just feel they may be falling a bit short. I want the best for their children but also to help protect them from putting themselves in a position they might regret.

 

[Zigner]

That is not the case. I feel the parents are good people and are great with their children. I know they had the best of intentions, I just feel they may be falling a bit short. I want the best for their children but also to help protect them from putting themselves in a position they might regret.

As a friend, feel free to politely point out that there are requirements with regard to home schooling and suggest organizations that assist parents who wish to do so. Beyond that, with all due respect, this is really none of your business.

 

[judgediatl]

I understand your point, the problem is, this will become my business once the family turns to me for help and support in this issue. Then it will be to late. Should I just stand on the shore and allow someone to drown because of the "No Swimming" sign posted? To use a metaphor, when you see someone taking a nap on the train tracks, yes that's none of my business, but if I can save them before the train comes I know I'll feel a lot better for all involved. I'm just concerned for their future, that's all.

 

[Zigner]

I understand your point, the problem is, this will become my business once the family turns to me for help and support in this issue. Then it will be to late. Should I just stand on the shore and allow someone to drown because of the "No Swimming" sign posted? To use a metaphor, when you see someone taking a nap on the train tracks, yes that's none of my business, but if I can save them before the train comes I know I'll feel a lot better for all involved. I'm just concerned for their future, that's all.

No, this is more like telling your friend that there is a lower speed limit ahead, but they speed anyway. You can't jump in their lap to hit the brakes for them.

 

[eerelations]

I think all OP wants to know is what bad stuff could befall these parents so that he can say to them, as a friend (he seems pretty close to them, maybe even related), "maybe you might consider homeschooling these kids properly, if you don't you could wind up in jail/losing them, etc." So he just wants to know what realistic penalties there are out there. I personally don't see his question as being particularly stupid or off-base. And if I knew the answer, I'd be nice and tell him.

 

[Zigner]

I think all OP wants to know is what bad stuff could befall these parents so that he can say to them, as a friend (he seems pretty close to them, maybe even related), "maybe you micht consider homeschooling these kids properly, if you don't you could wind up in jail/losing them, etc." So he just wants to know what realistic penalties there are out there. I personally don't see his question as being particularly stupid or off-base. And if I knew the answer, I'd be nice and tell him.

...and the folks that would BEST be able to answer this sort of question(s) are the folks who deal with this day-in and day-out...ie: local homeschooling organizations (as I suggested)

 

[mmmagique]

I'm curious how the OP knows that the home schooling isn't being done. It doesn't necessarily require the same amount of time or structure as a regular school. You can teach one or two kids a lot faster than you can teach 30...
(and yes, I do realize that the children have to "go to" school the same amount of days as children who attend a regular school.)

 

[Silverplum]

It's not hard at all to google the OH law on homeschooling.

http://ohiohomeeducators.net/

http://www.hsncincy.com/notification_in_a_nutshell.html

http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/3301-34

ETA: This post was directed at the OP, not at my fellows.

 

[Zigner]

However, it's clear that the children are possibly not receiving the structure or education they need home or that is required by state law.

The highlighted portion of the OP leads me to believe this isn't simply a friend trying to help out a friend...

 

[judgediatl]

No, we are not related. This is not necessarily the only factor when I stated above that it was "clear."

Thanks for posting this info in those links. It will give me a better jumping off point in researching this issue. Thank you.

 

[Silverplum]

No, we are not related. This is not necessarily the only factor when I stated above that it was "clear."

Thanks for posting this info in those links. It will give me a better jumping off point in researching this issue. Thank you.

Keep in mind, most people get extremely testy when you criticize their parenting.

 

[judgediatl]

Agreed. Thanks.

 

[TinkerBelleLuvr]

I'm in a different state, but, for homeschooling, our requirements are NOT the number of hours in "school", but whether the child can pass the end-of-year exams and the subject exams.

I would pass along the information, but expect to be lambasted over it.