Legal / Legislative Updates

GEORGIA

Social Worker Demands “Accredited” Curriculum

Only eight days after withdrawing her daughter from public school in order to conduct a home study program, a Home School Legal Defense Association member became the subject of a social services investigation. A representative of the Walker County Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) contacted the mother, telling her that she intended to investigate the family for educational neglect after receiving a complaint from the mother’s ex-husband.* The social worker indicated in her initial contact with the HSLDA member that she needed to come to the member’s home, interview the child being homeschooled, and ensure that an “accredited” curriculum was being utilized.

After the mother contacted HSLDA for help, senior counsel Dewitt Black immediately faxed a letter to the social worker asserting that it was not possible for any charge of educational neglect to be substantiated after only eight days of home instruction. Black informed the DFCS representative that a homeschooling curriculum did not have to be accredited in order for a parent to meet the legal requirements of a home study program in Georgia. Black also told the social worker that the curriculum for a home study program in Georgia is not subject to review by state officials. The letter from HSLDA advised the social worker that she would be permitted to see the child who was being homeschooled, but she would not be permitted to interview the child or enter the home to conduct an inspection without a court order.

After receiving the letter from HSLDA, the social worker went to the member family’s home and met with the mother outside. When the mother stood her ground and denied the social worker access to her home and her curriculum, the social worker informed the mother that she was closing the case because of lack of cooperation.

— by Dewitt T. Black