Regarding home schooling mom Vanessa Mills, of Wake County, NC, USA:

…Mills … grew alienated from her husband and parents after joining a religious group that some former members call a cult, the judge in the case said Tuesday…

…Judge Ned Mangum ruled March 6 that it would be in the best interests of Venessa Mills’ three children to go to public school this fall.

That ruling, in an ongoing divorce case between Venessa and husband Thomas Mills, sparked national attention from conservatives who maintain that Mangum overstepped his bounds.

“Based on all of the evidence, the court finds that Ms. Mills engaged in behavior that alienates the minor children from their maternal grandparents, their aunt, and most importantly their father,” Mangum wrote.

…

Among other provisions, the written order said the parents will have joint custody of the children — who are 12, 11 and 10 — and that both parents can “practice their own religion and expose children to same.”

The ruling amplified Mangum’s reasons for ordering the change in schooling, noting that he recognizes the benefits of home schooling. It goes into significant detail about the Washington state-based Sound Doctrine Church to which Venessa Mills belongs. “It is in the best interest of these minor children based on all of the evidence presented that Mr. Mills, a father with equal rights, should be allowed to expose the children to more than just the experiences that Venessa Mills desires,” Mangum wrote.

…

Magnum’s ruling quotes people named as former members of Sound Doctrine who describe the institution as abusive. They say Sound Doctrine practiced brainwashing and was run by fear and manipulation.

source

This is a bit old, but I just came across it. (Hat tip: DOC)

I really have nothing against homeschooling, but it must be admitted that among the homeschoolers, there is a disproportionate share of crazy people that should not be allowed near children. And, the way homeschooling operates politically, the children of homeschooling families are less likely to be rescued from their abusing parents (when there are abusing parents) than other kids. That is a simple fact, and all the homeschoolers who are not abusing their own children but who maintain that society must simply turn away are part of the problem, not the solution.

In this context it is not surprising that homeschooling mother Collen Hauser is trying to murder her illiterate and possibly somewhat crazy 13 year old son by refusing to allow him the necessary life saving medical treatments ordered by a court.

SLEEPY EYE, MINN. — The father of Daniel Hauser said today he believes his son and his wife have left the country, but won’t say where he thinks they have gone to keep out of reach of authorities.

“I have an opinion where they are, but I can’t say I know,” said Anthony Hauser, adding that he has placed a call to a telephone where he believes he can reach them.

strib

I find it fascinating and disturbing that this situation has not been deemed appropriate for an Amber Alert. Why?

PZ has a long post about this, and another similar case.