Charges Dropped, Case Dismissed After HSLDA Intervenes

Single mom Vernal Rogers (named changed to protect privacy) removed her son from public school in 2008 after the school did not stop the bullies who were harassing him.

In January of 2013, a DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services) representative showed up at her door and told Vernal that she was suspected of educational neglect in connection with homeschooling her son. The DYFS worker demanded to see Vernal’s homeschool curriculum.

A member of HSLDA, Vernal quickly called for help. Based upon our guidance, she showed the DYFS worker a copy of the “Frequently Asked Questions” published by the New Jersey Department of Education, but refused to submit her curriculum for inspection. The DYFS worker left unhappy.

In Court

DYFS subsequently went to court and asked a judge to order Vernal to submit to the DYFS investigation. HSLDA hired River Vale attorney Grace Meyer to represent the family locally.

Working closely with HSLDA attorneys, Meyer showed the prosecuting attorney the program Vernal was using for her son. It consisted primarily of a well-organized set of interactive online materials in all major subject areas tightly focused on preparing a young person to pass the GED test.

Seeing that the young man was receiving a solid education, the prosecuting attorney dismissed the case without the family ever appearing before the judge. DYFS subsequently notified Vernal that the allegations against her were “unfounded.”

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Protect Your Family

If you or someone you know is not a member of HSLDA, will you consider taking a moment today to join or recommend us? Your support for our work enables us to defend individual families threatened by government officials and protect homeschooling freedom for all. Join now.

Courtesy HSLDA. Used with permission.

Scott Woodruff answers questions and assists members regarding legal issues in New Jersey. He and his wife homeschooled their children.

Home School Legal Defense Association is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms. Through annual memberships, HSLDA is tens of thousands of families united in service together, providing a strong voice when and where needed.

Publication date: May 8, 2013