Across the States
Family Accused of “Too Many Kids”
The Smith family (name changed to protect family’s privacy) was contacted by an Austin social services worker who stopped by the house. When Mrs. Smith answered the door, the caseworker demanded to enter the home and talk with the children. Instead of allowing her in, Mrs. Smith contacted Home School Legal Defense Association.
HSLDA Senior Counsel Christopher Klicka then contacted the caseworker on behalf of the Smiths and explained the family’s 4th Amendment rights. He also pointed out the ridiculous nature of the allegations.
For example, one accusation against our member family was that they had “too many children.” The Smiths have seven children, with two adopted through foster care. The parents were also accused of requiring their children to “do the dishes” and of taking their frustrations out on the older children. In response to the accusations, the family gave the caseworker 25 letters of reference, a statement from their doctor, and a copy of the home study they had done in the process of becoming foster parents.
Finally, the caseworker called the Smiths and told them that the case was closed because the accusations had been declared false.
— by Christopher J. Klicka
