What is abuse? Homeschoolers dead Abuse is... from abuse and neglect • an act or failure to act which results in death or serious harm; or which presents an Hana Williams (1 998 - 2011 ) imminent risk ofserious harm. Sedro-Woolley, Washington • defined differently in every state. Neil Beagley (1 992 - 2008) There are four major types: Oregon City, Oregon • physical abuse • sexual abuse Christian Choate (1 996 - 2009) • emotional abuse Gary, Indiana • neglect, which may be physical, medical, educational, or emotional Nubia Barahona (2001 - 2011 ) West Palm Beach, Florida What are some warning signs? The child... Calista Springer (1 992 - 2008) • has sudden changes in behavior, appetite, Centreville, Michigan or academic performance • is reluctant to go home, fearful ofcaregivers Raijon Daniels (1 998 - 2006) Abuse and Neglect of • has unexplained injuries Richmond, California • begs for or steals food or money; lacks Homeschooled Children medical care or appropriate clothing More than 90 homeschooled children have Recognition and Response • demonstrates unusual sexual behavior died from abuse and neglect since 2000. • runs away from home, attempts self-harm, or abuses alcohol or drugs Many others have been tortured, bound, starved, • is behind grade level in many subjects physically and sexually assaulted, and denied medical care by their caregivers. Scope of the Problem The parent... & • administers harsh physical discipline, or Adopted children and those with special needs asks others to do so make up a disproportionate number of Ways YOU Can Help! • has unrealistic expectations ofthe child documented cases. • looks primarily to the child to satisfy his or her needs Hundreds ofhomeschool graduates reveal • is abusing alcohol or drugs unreported abuse they suffered as children. • is secretive or isolated, severely limits the 661 Washington Street #563 child's contact with other children Homeschooling parents Canton, MA 02021 can make a difference! (61 7) 765-7096 Visit childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.pdf http://www.responsiblehomeschooling.org for more information Visit hsinvisiblechildren.org for more information How can my community help? ~ Few states require homeschooled children to ~ have contact with mandatory reporters. Educate parents on... • Normal child development ~ Only two states prohibit registered sex ~ • Risk & protective factors for child abuse offenders from homeschooling. • Positive, non-corporal discipline • Parental stress prevention ~ No state monitors homeschool families that ~ • How to recognize and report abuse have troubling social services histories. • Helpful resources in the community Homeschoolers die from abuse at a rate Encourage parent networking equal to or greater than other children. • Parent-to-parent mentoring programs • Structured parent cafés and conversations Buttheylackequalprotections. • Babysitting and transportation co-ops • Lending library of parenting books Abuse and neglect of homeschooled • Resources for needy families children is substantively different from that of children who attend school. Support homeschooled children • Be a friend and a safe resource • Physical abuse may be more severe. • Teach the correct names for body parts • Empower children to make decisions • Children may be permanently confined. • Offer to provide tutoring and resources • They may be deprived offood. • Encourage kids to dream big and pursue What if a child discloses abuse? • They may be isolated in a cultlike environment. their interests • Believe the child. • They may not know that sexual abuse is wrong. • Do not deny their experiences. • They may be trafficked or singled out for abuse. Prevent abuse in your co-op • Listen and react calmly. • Screen all volunteers; create guidelines for • Reassure the child that it was not their fault. • They may not have anyone to ask for help. adult/youth interactions • Don't blame the child. • Parents may have fewer resources to care for • Have a clear reporting structure • Don't confront the potential abuser. special needs children. • Limit one-on-one adult/youth interactions • Report the abuse to the authorities. • Medical neglect may go unnoticed. • Avoid internal investigations; take action and report suspicions to the authorities How do I report suspected abuse? This analysis is based on the • Know your role as a mandatory reporter • Contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at Homeschooling's Invisible Children 1 -800-422-4453 database. • Or, find your state's child abuse hotline at Support CRHE! crhe.org/4buse Visit hsinvisiblechildren.org for more Publicize our mission and volunteer or • Abuse and neglect reports are confidential information. donate at responsiblehomeschooling.org! and anonymous.