AFHE Statement Regarding Abuse Charges Against Couple in Scottsdale

According to an article appearing in the East Valley Tribune May 12, 2005, a Scottsdale couple has been charged with child abuse after their three children, who police said were put on a type of vegan diet, were found malnourished and severely underweight.

Arizona Families for Home Education is always saddened to hear of any child being abused or neglected. AFHE has, of course, taken an interest in this recent case in Scottsdale. It has been reported that their two older children, ages 12 and 9, were homeschooled.

AFHE immediately contacted Maricopa County School Superintendent Sandra Dowling's office. As a matter of public record, we learned that although an Affidavit of Intent to Homeschool exists for the 12 year old, none was ever filed for the 9 year old. The last contact that the Parkers had with Dr. Dowling's office was in the year 2000. By law, the Parkers should have filed another Affidavit 3 years ago for the second child.

Unfortunately, homeschooling and abuse cases always draw questions regarding the need for further regulation of homeschooling. However, families involved in abuse situations oftentimes operate underground and are not actually homeschooling or in compliance with the homeschooling laws. Increased homeschool regulation would not help identify families whose misguided and criminal conduct results in cases of child abuse.

Homeschooling has legal requirements in our state, and the vast majority of parents who choose to educate their children at home are in compliance with the law. They diligently teach their children to promote their well-being and guide their development into mature, responsible adults. Before negative conclusions are drawn when a case like this arises, Arizona Families for Home Education believes that it is a journalistic responsibility to establish all of the facts.