Woman Turns to CPS to Save 9-Year-Old Sister from Illiteracy Amid Parents’ Extreme Beliefs
A Reddit Post is Plagued with a Moral Quandary over a User’s Under-educated Younger Sibling Due to They Parents’ Christian Extremism + Conspiracy Theorizing Then they pulled their 9-year-old out of school, deciding that public education is “corrupt” and “evil,” with the inevitable result that the kid was not only unable to read but was cut off from the rest of the world except the family. The OP had reported the situation to family members, but they went no-where, and are considering reporting the parents themselves to CPS, or in Canada, nominally CAS.
The OP worries about the unforeseeable effects this negligence may have on their sibling over the years or down the line. They point out that the education and social development of the child was put on the backburner because the parents became victims of extreme ideologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. They clearly perceive his being neglected with respect to the 709.3 issue, but anything they might have suggested in addressing it was thrown back in their faces, leaving the OP to ponder whether to engage child welfare in what would be an ethically and legally grey act.
People who believe conspiracy theories can’t stand their kids being taught anything different
So one netizen considered calling CPS when she realized her homeschooled 9YO sister couldn’t read
Examining the Legal and Ethical Implications of Educational Neglect
Forego Childrens educational neglect is a type of child neglect in which parents or guardians fail to enforce that a child receives an education that runs in parallel with their child. This omission is especially troubling in the event that it denies a child the opportunity to acquire fundamental literacy, numeracy and socialization skills before becoming competent to be part of the rest of society. This might seem harsh but these principles are fundamental to the welfare of the child and potentially at odds with Canadian law about education itself.
Legal Framework in Canada
Provincial and territorial laws give every child in Canada the right to an education. As an example, in Ontario, the Education Act states that children must attend school between the ages of 6 and 18 unless the child is being educated at home in a manner satisfactory to the Minister. Similar legislation exists at the provincial level, such as in Alberta and British Columbia, but it requires parents to ensure provision of at least a minimum standard of education. If parents donot comply, authorities like the CAS can step in and prioritize the child’s welfare.
Canada is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), a treaty which confers the rights of education and development of capacity on all children. B Admissions to programs of higher education Why they would be denied access to education, not only limiting the brother’s mental and social development but also violating these internationally recognized rights.
Implications of Educational Neglect
A child deprived of education faces several risks, including:
- Illiteracy: At 9 years old, the sibling’s inability to read significantly delays cognitive and emotional development.
- Social Isolation: Without peer interaction, the child is at risk of poor social integration, limiting her ability to form healthy relationships later in life.
- Future Dependency: Lack of education often leads to unemployment or underemployment, perpetuating cycles of poverty and dependence.
- Psychological Impact: Being isolated from mainstream education can breed feelings of inadequacy and limit the child’s worldview.
Addressing Conspiracy Theories in Parenting
These conspiracy theories of the parents — such as the idea that public education is “evil” — only make the problem worse. Research, such as that from the Journal of Social and Political Psychology, indicates that extreme ideologies can foster inflexible choices, to the detriment of a child’s welfare. When such beliefs infringe upon a child’s rights or safety, child advocacy organizations recommend that a professional step in.
Should the OP Call CAS?
In such situations, reporting to CAS could be the safest option. CAS treat it as the welfare of the child comes first, and will investigate to see if educational neglect is taking place. And, if they find a case of neglect, they are able to order parents to send the child to school, and even provide alternative housing in some cases, if things don’t change.
That said, hopefully, the OP can brace for the family fallout. It can possess some destructive factors on relationships but it can become the solution to protecting the brother’s or sister’s future. Use resources such as the Canadian Legal Information Institute or local advocacy groups to find strategies to help navigate the situation.
Many people thought she had the right idea
The OP’s concerns are both justified and are based in legality and ethics. Implicit in their decision to include CAS is a clear sense of prioritizing their sibling’s future over the rift it would create within the family. The gist of this case is somehow ensuring that parent’s right does not violate another right of the child like education and development.
