For foster kids’ safety, Camden lawmaker wants N.J. to change home-schooling rules
A measure intended to ensure the safety of children in foster care will have a hearing Monday before a New Jersey Assembly committee.
The bill would require any child under the care of the Division of Youth and Family Services to go to school unless home schooling is approved by DYFS.
Home schooling by a child’s legal guardian can be effective, says Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt, the primary sponsor of the legislation.
However, she said she’s concerned about incidents of abuse to kids in home-schooling situations.
“One bad apple can spoil it for everybody,” said Lampitt, D-Camden. “And in this situation, we just need to ensure that there’s oversight. Anytime you have the ability to save one person, one child, one life, you do it.”
Lampitt says having those children attend school will allow adults outside the home to see them and help ensure they’re getting proper care.
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