Question about social workers
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the quickest answer I can think of is I wouldn't answer the door! I wouldn't even be home. According to HSLDA, a social worker cannot force herself/himself into your home without a warrant. I know a lot of people don't belong to HSLDA 9we don't), and I don't know what other legal options there are when being pressured by DSS and or schools.<br><br>
Could the school be trying to intimidate you, with no intention of really sending anyone> That wouldn't surprise me.<br><br><br>
You could get a simple test such as the CAT from setontesting.org and have the results in just a few weeks. There might be places that are even faster; I don't know. There might be someone who does private testing such as the Woodcok Johnson. Call a homeschool group or store for local info...<br><br>
Just my off the top of my head ideas! That's scary stuff....I've always been afraid of DSS, although we aren't doing anything wrong, really. Just stuff like having the kids in the yard during school hrs can alarm people...
Could the school be trying to intimidate you, with no intention of really sending anyone> That wouldn't surprise me.<br><br><br>
You could get a simple test such as the CAT from setontesting.org and have the results in just a few weeks. There might be places that are even faster; I don't know. There might be someone who does private testing such as the Woodcok Johnson. Call a homeschool group or store for local info...<br><br>
Just my off the top of my head ideas! That's scary stuff....I've always been afraid of DSS, although we aren't doing anything wrong, really. Just stuff like having the kids in the yard during school hrs can alarm people...
Although I'm not a member, or even a fan, of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, their website does contain lots of free info that you may find helpful. They have links about what to do if a social worker shows up. I haven't had this happen, so if anyone thinks this info is not kosher, please let the op know.<br><br><a href="http://www.hslda.org" target="_blank">www.hslda.org</a><br><br>
I'm sure many others will have more info for you. Good luck!
I'm sure many others will have more info for you. Good luck!
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i agree, dontbe home or just dont answer the door, they cant force themselves in without a warrent.
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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Maeve</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7896072"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">She said if we do not turn in our paperwork by tomorrow, she will be sending a social worker over.<br>
What exactly can they do? Do I have to let her in? What are my options?<br></div>
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Does she mean a school social worker or a children's services social worker? What state are you in? What I would do would depend largely on what the state law says the consequences are of not submitting testing.<br><br>
While it's true you can make yourself scarce tomorrow, that won't solve your problem. No social worker is going to say, "Oh, she's not home, I guess that closes the case." kwim? Either they will continue to try and contact you, or they will get a court order (of course, this depends on what your laws allow.) Unless buying yourself some time will change things drastically, I wouldn't try to hide out from them.<br><br>
So much would depend on your laws--look them up, contact your state's homeschool association and see what your options are, but I'd deal with it directly.
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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Maeve</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7896072"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">She said if we do not turn in our paperwork by tomorrow, she will be sending a social worker over.<br>
What exactly can they do? Do I have to let her in? What are my options?<br></div>
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Does she mean a school social worker or a children's services social worker? What state are you in? What I would do would depend largely on what the state law says the consequences are of not submitting testing.<br><br>
While it's true you can make yourself scarce tomorrow, that won't solve your problem. No social worker is going to say, "Oh, she's not home, I guess that closes the case." kwim? Either they will continue to try and contact you, or they will get a court order (of course, this depends on what your laws allow.) Unless buying yourself some time will change things drastically, I wouldn't try to hide out from them.<br><br>
So much would depend on your laws--look them up, contact your state's homeschool association and see what your options are, but I'd deal with it directly.
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yes, definatly check your law, either way, i wouldnt invite them into the house, talk to them at the doorway only.
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If it were me, I would start by calling your state or local homeschooling organization to ask for advice.<br><br>
I believe that if you don't comply with the homeschooling laws in your state then your children may be considered truant, but I would expect that would be a police issue, not one that involved social services.<br><br>
Absolutely don't let a social worker in unless there's a warrant. I might also start working on getting into compliance with the law, but I'm sure you're already thinking about how to do that.<br><br>
((Hugs))<br><br>
ZM
I believe that if you don't comply with the homeschooling laws in your state then your children may be considered truant, but I would expect that would be a police issue, not one that involved social services.<br><br>
Absolutely don't let a social worker in unless there's a warrant. I might also start working on getting into compliance with the law, but I'm sure you're already thinking about how to do that.<br><br>
((Hugs))<br><br>
ZM
We're in Va.<br>
What I think we're going to do is turn in part of the paperwork they want with a note saying that we are having her tested and will send in the results in a few weeks (which is what we've decided to do). I hope that will satisfy her for the time being.<br>
I'm not really sure what the consequences are of not submitting testing, I just know that it is required. I wil try to look it up.<br><br>
I also just feel bad because this really is all my fault and I know it. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad">
What I think we're going to do is turn in part of the paperwork they want with a note saying that we are having her tested and will send in the results in a few weeks (which is what we've decided to do). I hope that will satisfy her for the time being.<br>
I'm not really sure what the consequences are of not submitting testing, I just know that it is required. I wil try to look it up.<br><br>
I also just feel bad because this really is all my fault and I know it. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad">
When I googled "virginia homeschooling laws" I got this from the statute: "Evidence of progress (such as independent assessment, standardized test scores or a portfolio review) must be submitted to the superintendent by August 1st. "<br><br>
Any chance of an independent assessment by a homeschooling friendly person recommended by your local homeschool group?
Any chance of an independent assessment by a homeschooling friendly person recommended by your local homeschool group?
Found a description of who can do the assessment at <a href="http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/laws/blVA.htm" target="_blank">http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/laws/blVA.htm</a><br><br>
Testing: Choose one of the following:<br>
•Submit results of standardized achievement test by August 1. Parent may choose test, administrator, location and date, subject to approval of local superintendant. (Stanford 9 is the only test they *must* accept.) Child must score above the 4th stanine (23rd percentile).<br>
•Portfolio review by local superintendent's office or reviewer (superintendent has some say in who may qualify to review). Usually, reviewers look for evidence of having met the Standards of Learning set by the state.<br>
•Independent assessment by certified teacher, who sends a letter stating that s/he believes the child has achieved an adequate level of educational growth and progress.<br><br>
That last one looks interesting.
Testing: Choose one of the following:<br>
•Submit results of standardized achievement test by August 1. Parent may choose test, administrator, location and date, subject to approval of local superintendant. (Stanford 9 is the only test they *must* accept.) Child must score above the 4th stanine (23rd percentile).<br>
•Portfolio review by local superintendent's office or reviewer (superintendent has some say in who may qualify to review). Usually, reviewers look for evidence of having met the Standards of Learning set by the state.<br>
•Independent assessment by certified teacher, who sends a letter stating that s/he believes the child has achieved an adequate level of educational growth and progress.<br><br>
That last one looks interesting.
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it does, do you know any teachers that could write you a letter?
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maeve--<br><br>
where in VA are you?<br><br>
(I am a certified teacher in Virginia.) My guess is that the person who will be coming to your house is the school social worker, and if you prefer, you can call the person on the phone to determine how to get into compliance with the testing requirements.<br><br>
I used to handle some of our homeschooling stuff when I taught, and i imagine most school divisions around the state actually don't want to do anything to you other than make sure that their paperwork to the state is accurate.
where in VA are you?<br><br>
(I am a certified teacher in Virginia.) My guess is that the person who will be coming to your house is the school social worker, and if you prefer, you can call the person on the phone to determine how to get into compliance with the testing requirements.<br><br>
I used to handle some of our homeschooling stuff when I taught, and i imagine most school divisions around the state actually don't want to do anything to you other than make sure that their paperwork to the state is accurate.
Here's the HEAV stuff on testing resources:<br><br><a href="http://www.heav.org/testing/testingresources.html" target="_blank">http://www.heav.org/testing/testingresources.html</a><br><br>
I keep wondering if there is some kind of on-line testing option.
I keep wondering if there is some kind of on-line testing option.
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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>spedteacher30</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7898123"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">maeve--<br><br>
where in VA are you?<br><br>
(I am a certified teacher in Virginia.) My guess is that the person who will be coming to your house is the school social worker, and if you prefer, you can call the person on the phone to determine how to get into compliance with the testing requirements.<br><br>
I used to handle some of our homeschooling stuff when I taught, and i imagine most school divisions around the state actually don't want to do anything to you other than make sure that their paperwork to the state is accurate.</div>
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We are in Williamsburg. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>spedteacher30</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7898123"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">maeve--<br><br>
where in VA are you?<br><br>
(I am a certified teacher in Virginia.) My guess is that the person who will be coming to your house is the school social worker, and if you prefer, you can call the person on the phone to determine how to get into compliance with the testing requirements.<br><br>
I used to handle some of our homeschooling stuff when I taught, and i imagine most school divisions around the state actually don't want to do anything to you other than make sure that their paperwork to the state is accurate.</div>
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</tr></table></div>
We are in Williamsburg. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">
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Call VaHomeschoolers at 866-513-6173 or post on the <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VAEclecticHS/" target="_blank">Va Eclectic list</a>.<br><br>
Either one has people who can help you figure out the best way to proceed.<br><br>
Good luck!<br><br>
ZM
Either one has people who can help you figure out the best way to proceed.<br><br>
Good luck!<br><br>
ZM
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Williamsburg.<br><br>
Beautiful area, but a little too far from us for me to know any teachers who might be able to help you...<br><br>
But, your plan of sending them some of the paperwork seems reasonable, though I might drive it to them directly, rather than mail it. The social worker will be at your house regardless since the papers won't have arrived yet...
Beautiful area, but a little too far from us for me to know any teachers who might be able to help you...<br><br>
But, your plan of sending them some of the paperwork seems reasonable, though I might drive it to them directly, rather than mail it. The social worker will be at your house regardless since the papers won't have arrived yet...
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