February 12, 2008
Family Accused of Having ‘Too Many Kids’
The Smith family (name changed to protect privacy) was contacted by an Austin social services worker who stopped by the house. When Mrs. Smith answered the door the social worker demanded to enter the home and to talk with the children. Instead of allowing her entrance, Mrs. Smith contacted HSLDA.
One accusation against the family was that they had “too many children.” They were also accused of requiring their children to “do the dishes” and of taking their frustrations out on the older children. The Smiths have seven children, with two adopted through foster care. In response, the family gave 25 letters of reference, a statement from their doctor, and a copy of the home study they had done to become foster parents.
Senior Counsel Chris Klicka contacted the social worker and explained the family's Fourth Amendment rights and explained how ridiculous the allegations were. Finally, the family received a call from the social worker that the case was closed because the accusations against the family were false.
HSLDA Social Services Contact Policy
We desire to advise our members in every contact with a social worker and/or police officer in investigations resulting from allegations of abuse or neglect. If homeschooling is an issue, we will represent our member families until the issue is resolved. On Fourth Amendment unreasonable search and seizure issues, HSLDA will advise our members whenever the privacy of their home is violated by forced or coerced entry for the purpose of an unsubstantiated investigation. HSLDA membership benefits do not extend to court actions resulting from non-homeschooling matters. However, in circumstances where there is a clear violation of the Fourth Amendment, HSLDA may, as we have done in the past, choose to take the case in an effort to establish legal precedent.
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