Parents, let's talk. I know services like you see above in the picture can be beneficial, especially for those who live in poverty or children whose parents will not be responsible enough to take care of these medical issues effecting their children. (The form you see is from an elementary school in Lauderdale County, MS.)
I'm all for helping those who need it. And I am relieved to at least know that they are asking for permission and that these types of services are not forced via the schools.
BUT, there is a lot that needs to be understood with these types of services offered through the school system.
1. You have to look at this service as a service offered via the school but provided by a local clinic a clinic that is run by the government. So, you have to look beyond the wonderful teacher your child has...she has no control of this. She can't protect your child when he/she is taken from the classroom to receive these services. So please, look beyond the classroom, the principals office and your school district.
2. Data. I know..it's kind of hard to imagine there is an entity or authority somewhere that wants this kind of data from your child and family. And I know to some, it's too conspiracy theory like to accept that this authority would even want something that may seem irrelevant to the common citizen. But they do. And they want it with anticipation. Data = $$$ and control.
3. Undermining parental rights. I can't imagine allowing services such as some of these without being present with my child..especially as young as elementary. Parents, please understand...that when you allow such services, the government can have free reign. I'm not insinuating this will be case all the time...but you give an inch and they try to take a mile. There are countless incidents where the school/government went against the wishes of the parents. One child received a vaccine without the parent knowing...he is autistic. The parent had specifically stated and signed that he was not to receive any services via the school. Do you know what happens in these situations. There's not much accountability. The school blamed the clinic and the clinic blamed the school. There is not much accountability or recourse to take against such cases. And she's not alone in this situation.
4. Intrusion of privacy. Clinics are well within their legal rights to ask children anything they feel necessary. They can ask the child if their parents are educated, working, salary, own guns, neighborhood they live, divorced, church going, medicine in their cabinets, is he/she sexually active...anything they deem 'necessary'. Children are innocent and typically answer these questions without worry. In fact, we know just how much info children will give...and that exaggeration is their story telling. As for older children...they can ask all kinds of sexuality questions. Most medical employees who will be conducting the services don't want this information but they have to follow what they are told to do.
5. Lack of details and information. The lack of details and information is total irresponsibility of the school/government. To think parents don't need or deserve the information for informed decision, goes back to the undermining parental authority. There are a plethora of questions that need to be asked and answered before any parent gives permission for any of these services. Who sees the results? Who has access to the results? What questions will my child be asked? When will these services be conducted and by whom...down to the name of the nurse? Where will the records be kept? Will parents be informed of the results? The counseling for 9 and above...what type of counseling secular or faith based? Who will provide the counseling? Will I be informed of what the counseling is about? HIPPA vs FERPA? If a diagnoses, what then? Privacy of the family when a diagnoses is given? Who pays for these services? There's not enough time to list all the questions.
yes, a simple eye exam in the gym with all his/her classmates is innocent. But, sadly, it doesn't always stop at that...the government has way of reaching farther and then "apologizing instead of asking permission". Bottom line...don't blindly sign anything. Be diligent in asking questions and becoming informed. You are the parent...don't let another authority undermine that. Allowing these services or disallowing these services isn't the measure of a good parent...I believe and hope all parents are seeking to do what is best...I just want all parents to educate themselves on what they seek.
I'm all for helping those who need it. And I am relieved to at least know that they are asking for permission and that these types of services are not forced via the schools.
BUT, there is a lot that needs to be understood with these types of services offered through the school system.
1. You have to look at this service as a service offered via the school but provided by a local clinic a clinic that is run by the government. So, you have to look beyond the wonderful teacher your child has...she has no control of this. She can't protect your child when he/she is taken from the classroom to receive these services. So please, look beyond the classroom, the principals office and your school district.
2. Data. I know..it's kind of hard to imagine there is an entity or authority somewhere that wants this kind of data from your child and family. And I know to some, it's too conspiracy theory like to accept that this authority would even want something that may seem irrelevant to the common citizen. But they do. And they want it with anticipation. Data = $$$ and control.
3. Undermining parental rights. I can't imagine allowing services such as some of these without being present with my child..especially as young as elementary. Parents, please understand...that when you allow such services, the government can have free reign. I'm not insinuating this will be case all the time...but you give an inch and they try to take a mile. There are countless incidents where the school/government went against the wishes of the parents. One child received a vaccine without the parent knowing...he is autistic. The parent had specifically stated and signed that he was not to receive any services via the school. Do you know what happens in these situations. There's not much accountability. The school blamed the clinic and the clinic blamed the school. There is not much accountability or recourse to take against such cases. And she's not alone in this situation.
4. Intrusion of privacy. Clinics are well within their legal rights to ask children anything they feel necessary. They can ask the child if their parents are educated, working, salary, own guns, neighborhood they live, divorced, church going, medicine in their cabinets, is he/she sexually active...anything they deem 'necessary'. Children are innocent and typically answer these questions without worry. In fact, we know just how much info children will give...and that exaggeration is their story telling. As for older children...they can ask all kinds of sexuality questions. Most medical employees who will be conducting the services don't want this information but they have to follow what they are told to do.
5. Lack of details and information. The lack of details and information is total irresponsibility of the school/government. To think parents don't need or deserve the information for informed decision, goes back to the undermining parental authority. There are a plethora of questions that need to be asked and answered before any parent gives permission for any of these services. Who sees the results? Who has access to the results? What questions will my child be asked? When will these services be conducted and by whom...down to the name of the nurse? Where will the records be kept? Will parents be informed of the results? The counseling for 9 and above...what type of counseling secular or faith based? Who will provide the counseling? Will I be informed of what the counseling is about? HIPPA vs FERPA? If a diagnoses, what then? Privacy of the family when a diagnoses is given? Who pays for these services? There's not enough time to list all the questions.
yes, a simple eye exam in the gym with all his/her classmates is innocent. But, sadly, it doesn't always stop at that...the government has way of reaching farther and then "apologizing instead of asking permission". Bottom line...don't blindly sign anything. Be diligent in asking questions and becoming informed. You are the parent...don't let another authority undermine that. Allowing these services or disallowing these services isn't the measure of a good parent...I believe and hope all parents are seeking to do what is best...I just want all parents to educate themselves on what they seek.
No comments:
Post a Comment