This document discusses abuse and neglect of homeschooled children. It defines different types of child abuse and provides warning signs. The scope of the problem is substantial - over 90 homeschooled children have died from abuse or neglect since 2000. Abuse and neglect of homeschooled children differs substantively from children in school, as physical abuse may be more severe and children are more isolated without opportunities to disclose abuse. The document provides recommendations for communities and individuals to help prevent abuse and support homeschooled children and families.

1. ABUSE & NEGLECT OF
HOMESCHOOLED CHILDREN
Scope of the Problem & Ways You Can Help!

2. Definitions & Warning Signs
Recognizing Abuse

3. What Is Abuse?
 The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
defines abuse as follows:
“Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a
parent or caretaker which results in death, serious
physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or
exploitation; or an act or failure to act which
presents an imminent risk of serious harm.”
 Each state is responsible for creating its own
definition of child maltreatment. See more at:
https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/define.pdf

4. Types of Abuse
 There are four major types of abuse:
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Emotional abuse
Neglect, which may be physical,
medical, emotional, or educational
 For definitions of each type, see:
www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.pdf

5. What Are Some Warning Signs?
 The Child:
has sudden changes in behavior, appetite, or
academic performance.
is reluctant to go home, fearful of caregivers.
has unexplained injuries.
begs for or steals money; has inappropriate
medical care or clothing.
demonstrates unusual sexual behavior.
runs away from home, attempts self-harm, or
abuses drugs or alcohol.
is behind grade level in many subject areas.

6. Additional Warning Signs
 The Parent:
administers harsh physical discipline, or asks
others to do so.
has unrealistic expectations for the child.
looks primarily to the child to satisfy his or her
needs.
is abusing alcohol or drugs.
is secretive or isolated, severely limits the child’s
contact with other children.
For more warning signs, see:
www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.pdf

7. Child abuse & homeschooling
The Scope of the Problem

8. Substantive Differences
Abuse and neglect of homeschooled children is substantively
different from that of children who attend school.
Physical abuse may be more severe
Children may be permanently confined
They may be deprived of food
They may be isolated in a cult-like environment
They may not know that sexual abuse is wrong
They may be trafficked or singled out for abuse
They may not have anyone to ask for help
Parents may have fewer resources to handle special needs
Medical neglect may go unnoticed
This analysis is based on the Homeschooling’s Invisible Children
database. Visit www.hsinvisiblechildren.org for more information.

9. The Scope of the Problem
 Over 90 homeschooled children have died
from abuse or neglect since 2000.
 Many others have been tortured, bound,
starved, physically or sexually assaulted, or
denied medical care by their caregivers.
 Adopted children and children with special
needs make up a disproportionate number of
cases.
 Hundreds of homeschool alumni reveal
unreported abuse they suffered as children.

10. Some of the Fatalities
 Hana Williams (1998 – 2001)
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
 Neil Beagley (1992 – 2008)
Oregon City, Oregon
 Christian Choate (1996 – 2009)
Gary, Indiana
 Nubia Barahona (2001 – 2011)
West Palm Beach, Florida
 Calista Springer (1992 – 2008)
Centreville, Michigan
 Raijon Daniels (1998 – 2006)
Richmond, California

11. Homeschooling parents can make a difference!
How Can My Community Help?

12. Educate Parents on:
 Normal child development
 Risk and protective factors for child abuse
 Positive, non-corporal discipline
 Parental stress prevention
 How to recognize and report abuse
 Helpful resources in the community

13. Encourage Parent Networking
 Parent-to-parent mentoring programs
 Structured parent cafes and conversations
 Babysitting and transportation co-ops
 Lending library of parenting books
 Resources for needy families

14. Support Homeschooled Children
 Be a friend and a safe resource
 Teach the correct names for body parts
 Empower children to make decisions
 Offer to provide tutoring and resources
 Encourage kids to dream big and pursue their
interests

15. Prevent Abuse in Your Co-op
 Screen all volunteers; create guidelines for
adult/youth interactions
 Have a clear reporting structure
 Limit one-on-one adult/youth interactions
 Avoid internal investigations; take action and
report suspicions to the authorities.
 Know your role as a mandatory reporter

16. Support CRHE!
 The Coalition for Responsible Home Education
(CRHE) was founded in December 2013 by a
group of homeschool alumni.
 OUR MISSION is to raise awareness of the need
for homeschooling reform, provide public policy
guidance, and advocate for responsible home
education practices.
 OUR VISION is for homeschooling to be a child-
centered educational option, used only to lovingly
prepare young people for an open future.
 Publicize our mission and donate or volunteer at
www.responsiblehomeschooling.org

17. What to know and what to do
Protecting Homeschooled Children

18. Protections for Homeschooled Children
 Few states require homeschooled children to
have contact with mandatory reporters.
 Only two states prohibit sex offenders from
homeschooling.
 No state monitors homeschool families that
have troubling social services histories.
Homeschoolers die from child abuse no less
frequently than other children, but they lack
equal protections.

19. What if a child discloses abuse?
 Believe the child
 Do not deny their experiences
 Listen and react calmly
 Reassure the child that it was not their fault
 Don’t blame the child
 Don’t confront the potential abuser
 Report the abuse to the authorities

20. How do I report suspected abuse?
 Contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at
1-800-422-4453.
 Or, find your state’s hotline at
www.crhe.org/4buse.
 Abuse and neglect reports are confidential
and anonymous.