CRHE was founded in 2013 by homeschool graduates. To date, we are the only child advocacy organization founded and run by individuals who were homeschooled, focusing on the rights of children who are homeschooled. CRHE was born out of a desire to make homeschooling a safer, more positive environment for all homeschooled children.

Our Message for Family & Friends
– Hear from homeschool graduates on how to think about homeschooling

Recognizing Abuse & Neglect

While many homeschooling families provide their children with a good education in a safe home environment, this is not always the case. Homeschooled children, like other children, can be abused or neglected. But unlike other children, homeschooled children may not have access to a teacher or a school nurse who might recognize that they are being harmed.

Child Abuse & Neglect

Child Abuse in Homeschool Settings
 – This page on our website discusses why and how abuse occurs in homeschool settings 

Definitions of Child Abuse & Neglect
 – This PDF from the Children’s Bureau offers clear and concise definitions and explanations

Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms
 – This PDF from the Children’s Bureau lists warning signs that a child is being harmed

Handling Child Abuse Disclosures
 – This page from ChildHelp offers guidance on responding to children who disclose abuse

Educational Neglect

Educational Neglect in Homeschool Settings
 – This page discusses how and why educational neglect occurs in homeschool settings

Recognizing Educational Neglect
 – This page addresses what educational neglect looks like when a child is being homeschooled

State Statutes Search
 – This Children’s Bureau tool helps you learn how your state defines educational neglect

What Is Educational Neglect?
 – This resource page from CHILD USA includes links to general scholarly and media sources about educational neglect

How to Report or Intervene

Children who are homeschooled need the same level of support, attention, and care as other children. If you suspect that abuse or educational neglect is taking place, you can and should act.

Guidance for Social Workers/Case Workers

A Message for Social Workers
 – Child abuse can take on particular characteristics in homeschool settings

Guidance for Family & Friends

How to Report Child Abuse
 – Learn how to make a report, and get some questions answered

How to Report Educational Neglect
 – Find out how to report educational neglect when a child is homeschooled

Other Ways to Support an Educationally Neglected Child
 – Read about additional ways to help a homeschooled child who is not being educated

How the Child Welfare System Works
 – This Children’s Bureau PDF explains what happens after someone makes a report

40 Ways to Help

40 Ways to Help Homeschooled Kids in Bad Situations
 – Practical tips for supporting homeschooled kids, by homeschool alumni

Additional Resources

Hotlines

• National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-422-4453
• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-7233
• National Parent Helpline, 1-855-427-2736

Helpful Websites

• Childhelp: Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse
• Kidpower: Bullying Prevention, Abuse Prevention, and Stranger Safety
• Child Welfare Information Gateway: Child Abuse and Neglect
• Stop It Now! Together We Can Prevent the Sexual Abuse of Children
• Darkness to Light: End Child Sexual Abuse
• RAINN: Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network
• GRACE: Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment
• American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: Child Abuse Resource Center
• American Psychological Association: Protecting Our Children from Abuse and Neglect
• National Children’s Alliance: Empowering Local Communities
• Sunshine Behavioral Health: Emerging Solutions for Domestic Violence (Teens)