A devastating incident has recently underscored the critical need for increased oversight in the education of children outside traditional school systems. A 9-year-old girl was tragically murdered, and the horror of her situation was only discovered after her death. Homeschooled, she suffered from severe physical abuse and malnourishment that went undetected due to the lack of regular wellness checks.

This heart-wrenching situation is not only a profound tragedy but a clarion call for action. It's imperative to acknowledge that all children have the right to safety, health, and well-being, regardless of their schooling environment. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania's current lack of mandated wellness checks for homeschooled and cyber-schooled children can allow cases of neglect and abuse to go unnoticed.

By implementing mandatory wellness checks, we can bridge the gap that allows these tragic situations to occur. These checks would ensure regular contact between homeschooled children and qualified professionals who can identify signs of neglect or abuse early and intervene as necessary.

The proposed wellness checks would consist of scheduled visits by social workers, teachers, or nurses, twice a year, to assess the child's environment, health, and overall well-being. This intervention would not only help monitor the welfare of the child but also provide support for families in need of resources and assistance.

Statistics indicate that there are over 40,000 homeschooled children in Pennsylvania as of the latest census. Without proper checks, thousands of children remain vulnerable. To create a safer environment and a supportive community, wellness checks are essential.

We call upon the Pennsylvania Department of Education and state legislators to enact policies requiring biannual wellness checks for all homeschooled and cyber-schooled children in Pennsylvania. This crucial step will help protect children's lives and ensure their rights to a healthy, safe, and supportive upbringing.

Sign this petition to demand action now and protect Pennsylvania's children from slipping through the cracks of the current system. Your signature can help push for the necessary change to prevent another tragic incident from occurring.