Father’s Prejudice More Important Than Child’s Welfare?
Carer in rights row
Sunday Herald-Sun, March 28, 2010, p.25
Liam Houlihan
“A government department blocked a boy aged under 10 attending a Catholic school – approved as suited for his special needs – because it would breach the religious rights of his father, who dislikes Catholics.
The ban put the boy’s education in free fall, saw him removed from a foster carer and dumped in a children’s home.
The boy, “Michael”, whose mother is dead and whose father does not have custody of him, is in the care of the Department of Human Services. His care team found him a place in a special school for children with behavioural difficulties that operates in the Catholic education system.
“His father contacted the foster care agency to advise that Michael would not be allowed to attend a Catholic school because of his intense dislike of the Catholic religion,” his former foster carer, “Sharon”, said.
“The DHS upheld Michael’s father’s rights to freedom of religion and belief and the liberty of parents and legal guardians to ensure the religious and moral education of their children conforms with their convictions.”
Sharon has complained to the Victorian Ombudsman about the DHS decision.
A DHS spokesperson said it was the role of the Children’s Court to determine the level of responsibility of either the department or parents in making decisions on a child’s education.”
If this article is an accurate summary of the matter than it’s a great injustice for the child involved. I initially felt outraged at the situation but upon reflection I concluded that the story relies heavily upon an anonymous source, “Sharon,” who gives her own assessment of the situation. I searched the DHS and Children’s Court websites but could not obtain any further information.
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