If you listen to Michigan Public Radio, then this topic comes as no surprise. You probably heard the recent interview with Rachel Coleman about regulating homeschool in Michigan, and wondered why it was that a tiny percentage of tragedies should be used to determine how thousands of families will be treated. We certainly did!

Michigan is one of a shrinking number of states in the U.S. that doesn’t regulate homeschoolers. Why? Well, until now, there has always been the belief that parents should have a right to decide how their children are educated. Which means if they want to keep them home and teach them there, in a safer and more secure environment, then why on earth shouldn’t they?

Many Michigan parents safely and lovingly homeschool their kids

Over the years, many Michigan parents have found homeschooling to be the answer. Whether it’s bullying at school, a lack of diverse educational options available in their area, learning disabilities that make traditional school too challenging for kids, or any number of other reasons, homeschooling has served many families over the years.

Coleman is the co-founder of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education, and she isn’t against homeschooling. What she does advocate for, however, is government oversight of homeschooling families. According to Coleman, children who are school at home, where they are largely unseen by the communities they live in, are at a greater risk for abuse and neglect.

But is that really true? Are homeschooled kids really at risk?

Mike Donnelly, an attorney working for the Home School Legal Defense Association, disagrees. “We believe that parents can be trusted, we believe that homeschooling has demonstrated over the last 40 years to be a very effective way of preparing children to take their place in society as effective citizens.” Donnelly says.

Taking away the autonomy and freedom that homeschooling families have right now isn’t fair to them, and adds to their burden. We understand that there have been a few isolated cases in Michigan over the years where children were abused, either in a homeschool context, or by parents who claimed to be homeschooling their children but were only keeping them home for other reasons. But that shouldn’t be a reason to punish all homeschooling parents.

As a homeschooling parent, being accused of abuse is devastating!

As parents ourselves, we understand the importance of being able to decide what’s best for your children, without the government stepping in to override and regulate you. Which is why we’re committed to helping Michigan parents protect themselves against false allegations and invasive overreach by agencies like CPS.

So if you or a loved one have been accused of abusing or neglecting a child, whether or not you’re a homeschooler, call The Kronzek Firm at 866 766 5245. Our skilled and experienced CPS defense attorneys are here 24/7 to help asnd guide you through this difficult time.