I'm trying not to be an alarmist here, considering the source is biased (aren't they all), but I'm certainly going to be keeping my eyes and ears open. Here's the short story: A mom in Moberly, Missouri was reported by the school district for neglect because she pulled her children out of an abusive situation at public school in order to HS. The report was filed only 3 days after they stopped attending (and yes, she informed them right away). So this wasn't a case of her just not teaching or anything. HSLDA came to her aid, thank God. The state dropped their case against her, but there were some disturbing issues raised that HSLDA is going to have to take on as a result. Basically, according to World Net Daily, the juvenile officer made it clear that they will be randomly and frequently checking up on HSing families from now on. Problem is, that goes against state HS law.... until they change it. Simply homeschooling your child (in Missouri, anyhow) is not constitutional grounds for investigation. But according to the officers, they're going to do it anyhow. Like I said, I'm not going to be an alarmist here. It's very possible that HSLDA will take care of this with no problems. Or that the officers will try to strong arm the wrong person and the unconstitutionality of their actions will be confirmed. Missouri is a very pro-HSing state, so I'm figuring on it staying that way. If you're interested, here are the two articles about the situation. One is about the initial accusations of neglect. And the other is about the dropping of the charges and subsequent concerns.
I had read that article, Amie. I think that HSLDA are really on to this, and are taking a "Let's wait and see...." attitude. They will be on any intimidation or unlawful monitoring immediately. I think the police (or children's sercies, or whoever) will end up backing down VERY quickly!
I think as time goes on we will see more of this. Thank God for HSLDA. I just pray they continue to be effective.
Kinda makes you wonder what hsers did to them to make thembehave like a bunch of nazis?? 99 percent of hsers are legit.....thank goodness La doesnt bother with us (yet!!).....
I Homeschool in Missouri and I too have kept on top of things as well as I can, But, somehow I missed this one. But, I too had a run in with the juvenile officer --I informed him of the laws in missouri and I have HSed for several years, He proceeded to back off, But, How long this will last I don't know. I hope to start a HS group so other wonderful families won't have to go thru what that other family has been thru. If you have any suggestions Please help. God bless you all and thank you for allowing me to join. Karrie
Welcome to the spot, Karrie! My aunt homeschools in Missouri, and as far as I know hasn't ever encountered a problem. But, this is an older thread, and I haven't heard any updates on this particular situation. Nice to have you! This is a great place for info, finding freebies and anything you can imagine about any curriculum you could possibly find, and fantastic helpful, friendly ladies as well. Hope you stick around! Can't wait to get to know you!
Could it be the unquenchable, irrepressible, indefatigable quality that many homeschoolers exhibit--their insistence upon thinking for themselves? This quality alone, whether in homeschoolers or others, causes a certain percentage of any population to panic to the point of being willing to use coercion, just to keep everyone in line.
Stories like this make me glad to live in a province without a lot of "hovering" by the government in regards to schooling my children.
MO in general is a very non-hovering state. I mean, we have to track hours, but are never asked for the records (unless a problem arises). I would say this is a great state to HS in. Not quite as great as Texas, but FAAAAARRRRR better than PA.
