1. Do not let them into your home or allow them to talk to your children unless they have a court order signed by a judge.
2. Immediately ask for a business card. Check to confirm they are who they claim to be, and keep the card to give to your attorney. At this point you can ask them to wait outside while you call your attorney or HSLDA if you are a member.
3. Ask what the allegations are. HSLDA drafted and helped pass a federal law that requires social workers to disclose all allegations "at the initial time of contact."
4. Tell them you will be glad to talk to them further but that they will need to make an appointment after you have spoken to your attorney.
5. If you are HSLDA members, HSLDA will talk to the social worker and set the boundaries for a future meeting with the parents in a neutral location. CPS will normally send a letter and "battle for your front door" to get in. The contact needs to be homeschool related.
6. Know you have a Fourth Amendment right under the U.S. Constitution to be free from unreasonable seizures and searches. This means you don't have to let a social worker into your home without a court order or warrant. HSLDA successfully drafted and passed a federal amendment requiring all social workers in the country to be trained in their duty to protect your constitutional rights.
7. Bring a witness or tape recorder to all future contacts with social workers, and make sure meetings take place in a neutral location. Warning: every social worker situation is different, and social workers don't always follow the law or their own procedures. It is best to immediately contact an attorney or HSLDA to get advice for your situation.
*** HSLDA only provides legal representation to members in good standing.