Parental Obligation - No longer in school

by Chad
(Virginia)

Hi,
I have a 17 year old daughter that is no longer attending an accredited school and currently (so I'm told) gets home schooled. How does this work with the support stipulation that the child needs to attend an accredited school? I believe that she has dropped out. Any help/advise would be appreciated.

Thanks,

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You have a valid question, Chad. You are probably correct in your guess that your daughter has "dropped out" of school, hoping to skate through on the home-schooling line until she's 18 and can openly quit.

Home-schooling has become a great "catch all" excuse for anyone who doesn't want to attend. It's too bad and gives home-schooling in general a tarnished name, when in reality there are some parents who do a wonderful job of home-schooling.

Having said that, you state that you have a stipulation stating that your daughter must attend an "accredited school". The custodial parent has an obligation to provide you with proof of such - period. If they cannot or will not, they are in violation of their parental obligations and accountable for such.

Some kids don't have enough sense to stay in school and that's why parents are in charge. One parent is ignoring their duty to get this girl a high school education (the absolute minimum anyone can expect to function adequately in this society with).

Do your part to keep her in an accredited school. At least you will have done all you can when she comes whining to you later about no one wanting to hire a drop-out.