Michigan
Stopping Social Workers at the Door
A Michigan family recently found a social worker at their door. They called Home School Legal Defense Association attorney Scott Somerville, who explained to the social worker that she had no authority to enter the home without a warrant, a true emergency, or the voluntary consent of the parents. The social worker insisted that she did have a right to enter, and threatened to get police and gain entry. Attorney Somerville promptly faxed a letter to her office stating, “If you enter this home without their consent or a warrant, we will sue you.” Attached to the letter was a copy of the Saltsman federal court ruling, which held that social workers must have a warrant, an emergency, or consent.
The letter from HSLDA stopped this social worker in her tracks for several days. When she finally returned with a detective some days later, the family videotaped the entire event. The detective, who thoroughly understood the constitutional rights of parents and the privacy of the home, was a pleasure to interact with, while the social worker sulked silently in the background. Since the time of that visit, the parents have more than cleared their name, and have developed a strong working relationship with the social worker’s supervisors. They are using this experience to help change the system from within.
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Michigan
Admitted to statehood:
January 26, 1827
Origin of name:
From Chippewa words mici gama, meaning “great water,” after the lake of the same name.
Motto:
Si Quaeris Peninsulan Amoenam Circumspice—If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.
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