One real obstacle in deterring child abuse and neglect in New Hampshire is some of our own state regulations. These are rules supported by New Hampshire citizens when they vote for representatives who support these policies. Kindergarten is not mandated in New Hampshire. For that reason a school has no recourse for a child who attends irregularly or who is removed with no explanation.
In addition, if a parent states that a child is being removed to be home schooled the schools relationship with the child ends and there is no legal requirement for any follow up from the district. The rules governing DCYF lean toward protecting parent’s rights and often a court makes the decision about whether DCYF can become involved. The people in New Hampshire have not shown any interest in changing the laws yet many are blaming schools and an agency in which we as voters control the rules.
Susan Seidner
Pembroke