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ACROSS THE STATES

MICHIGAN

An "isolated" child?

An anonymous caller told Empire Child Protective Services that Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald's* daughter was not being properly socialized and was being "isolated" by homeschooling. This Home School Legal Defense Association member family contacted our office for help.

HSLDA Senior Counsel Christopher Klicka explained to the social services agent that these allegations were false and supplied references who could vouch for the parents' responsible care of their child. In addition to thriving academically in her homeschooling program, the girl was active in a local weekly science class, 4-H club, church, and other youth-related activities.

In the face of clear evidence disproving the allegations, the social workers dropped the case.

No interview needed

Macomb Child Protective Services (CPS) contacted the Simmons*, a member family in Macomb County, concerning anonymous allegations that the father had a serious kidney illness and was not receiving sufficient care. After being notified of the situation, HSLDA attorney Chris Klicka explained to CPS that Mr. Simmons was not only receiving good care, but also was able to care for himself. Suspicious that the family's teenage daughter was caring for her father rather than homeschooling, CPS insisted on interviewing her privately. HSLDA provided documentation and a letter explaining the law and the Fourth Amendment limitations upon CPS. The interview was averted and the case was finally closed.

Exonerated from false allegations

In Dowagiac, an anonymous tipster accused the Morgan* family of having a messy home, using drugs, and neglecting the medical condition of their daughter. After CPS attempted several times to enter the home and interview the child, the Morgans asked HSLDA for assistance. By presenting alternative evidence disproving the false allegations, HSLDA convinced CPS to close the case as "unfounded."

— Christopher J. Klicka