Queensland’s homeschool community says new regulations could drive parents underground

The death of a homeschooled child known to the child protection system has prompted moves to strengthen oversight of home education, but some parents are concerned it is going too far.

The CDRB's report found the child had multiple diagnosed mental health conditions, a history of self-harm and suicidal ideation, and was a client of Child and Youth Mental Health Services. The CDRB report examined regulatory oversight and support for children registered for home education in Queensland.

It also recommended the government strengthen oversight of homeschooled children, focusing on their rights, best interests, safety and wellbeing. She said the community was concerned the new guiding principle could allow the government to force a child back into school. As of last August, 10,084 students in Queensland were registered for home education — nearly triple the number in 2019.

"We've seen those numbers go up so rapidly since the COVID pandemic, I think we probably will see it slow down." "If parents disappear from the system, then surely they're not going to be able to keep those eyes on those young people." All jurisdictions except for Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory require a child's home education to meet the relevant curriculum, according to the Queensland government's explanation of the bill.

"We are already being tracked and assessed every year, we have to put in a plan to the home education unit and … they ask us for more information if they don't feel that it's up to scratch."

Young People Mental Health

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