Educating Germany

I am not sure how to 'read' the outcome of the 3-hour Fischer family court hearing just yet.

The judge has delayed making his decision for 2 weeks, to see whether the Fischers are willing and able to work with the Jugendamt before he has to step in and make a binding decision himself. Although anyone who is familiar with the Jugendamt will know that it is their way or bust.

The two issues in question are whether Manuel is "unschoolable" and his "oppositional disposition."



It could be a good thing that Judge Horndasch is giving himself some time to think as this case has now put him into the international spotlight with thanks to your actions and others!



Lets hope that as a father of 2 children he can put himself into the position of the Fischers, and ask....

• 'what would I do if the State was not meeting the needs of my child, whom I love?'
• 'how would my child feel being evaluated by strangers not known to him/her?'

and as a judge remember that

• the rights of parents are to be protected AND that
• he has the power to allow for home education which would make him the first judge to follow the suggestions of the United Nations Special Rapporteur Munoz to Germany (re Universal Declaration of Human Rights).

I dare say that if you still wanted to write to the judge that this would still be helpful in shaping/challenging his ideas about how this case ought to conclude, in particular if you are a homeschooling parent of a child with Aspergers, using TEACCH or LOVAAS therapy.

Herrn Richter Horndasch
Case Reference :Familiensache 4 F 1141/08

Email: poststelle@ag-an.bayern.de
and
Fax: +49 (0)98158405



I'll leave the last word to Corinna:

"And also a great big thanks to everyone who is supporting Manuel, ... There is a big thick file with your letters at the court - the judge stated that he was constantly getting faxes and emails. He was delighted with the great interest:)"