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Generally, yes. HSLDA’s mission of making homeschooling possible extends to helping families whose decision to homeschool subjects them to suspicions of abuse or neglect.

Many reports to child protective services (CPS) arise from a misunderstanding about homeschooling—a neighbor may see children playing outside during school hours and think that the parents are allowing them to be truant. CPS investigators and law enforcement personnel then insist they be allowed to interview the children and search the family’s home without a warrant. And if the parents are hesitant about allowing the interview or home visit, the investigators may use threats of removing the children to get the parents to comply.

We agree with what the US Court of Appeals said in the Calabretta case: “The government’s interest in the welfare of children embraces not only protecting children from physical abuse, but also protecting children’s interest in the privacy and dignity of their homes and in the lawfully exercised authority of their parents.”

Because the right to be secure in your home is essential to your right to homeschool, we generally assist our members in an initial contact with CPS investigators to ensure that their constitutional rights are protected.

Once the initial contact is over, HSLDA’s ability to continue assisting you depends on several factors, including whether the investigation is predominated by nonhomeschooling issues outside our mission. As with all litigation matters, we assess these factors on a case-by-case basis.

ARTICLE

Responding to an Official at Your Door (HSLDA Member Guidelines)

These guidelines help homeschool families be prepared if a CPS investigator, police officer, truant officer, or other official contacts them to investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect.
ARTICLE

How Can I Help Prevent Child Abuse?

Being aware of and informed about child abuse is the first step toward keeping children safe. Here are specific steps you can take . . .
COURT REPORT

Is Homeschooling a Risk Factor in Child Abuse Cases?

The tragic case of Matthew Tirado prompted the Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate to issue a report on homeschooling in relation to child abuse. But as a reliable study, it falls well short of the mark.
ARTICLE

If You Suspect Child Abuse

Here are some guidelines to help you evaluate your concerns about possible abuse and determine the best way to respond.
COURT REPORT

Ending Child Abuse: Are Homeschool Regulations the Answer?

ARTICLE

Child Safety Resources

A compilation of additional articles, helplines, and materials to help you in identifying and preventing child sexual abuse.
NEWS

Why This Homeschool Mom’s Ordeal Can Help Everyone

A paperwork delay landed a mother on the child abuse registry. This injustice illustrates why the law needs to change.
ARTICLE

Am I a Mandatory Reporter?

Every state has laws that require certain people to report all suspected child abuse and neglect to the proper authorities or be liable to prosecution. Find out if this applies to you.
COURT REPORT

Supreme Court Needs to Protect Children from Strip Searches

COURT REPORT

On the Shoulders of Giants...

HSLDA has been protecting the freedom of homeschooling families for 37 years. And, every once in the while, the small victories of the past coalesce into something much, much bigger.
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