What to Do If Your Child Is Expelled From School

The first thing parents need to do if their child is expelled from school is figure out the motive. It’s important to evaluate what happened and the measures the school is taking.

The news will probably come as a shock and parents may want to reprimand their child. However, the most important thing you can do is find a way to help your child .

Speaking to the principal, teachers and perhaps even some classmates may help you understand the reasoning behind the expulsion. It will also provide enough arguments to look for another school or seek the assistance of specialists.

Of course, a child’s expulsion may be painful for parents. However, it’s important to remember that the circumstances are also quite difficult for children.

Expulsion infringes on a child’s right to an education. In some cases, a child’s behavior is the result of an undiagnosed illness or syndrome. Therefore, it’s important to really investigate before taking action and ask for professional intervention if necessary.

What can be the motives for my child getting expelled from school?

If you’re the recipient of the unfortunate news of your child’s expulsion, you need to be careful to keep your cool. First, you should talk with the school to find out exactly what their motives are for expelling your child. 

The key to finding a solution is recognizing that there is a problem. This is especially true if your child has committed a criminal act or is dealing with substance abuse. The same is true if your child’s actions went against school or social norms, or if he or she is displaying aggressive behavior.

When speaking with the school, find out if this is the first time your child has had a problem or if this is a repeated conduct. This will help you take the right steps.

If there is no prior history, then you may be able to negotiate a reduction on the expulsion. You can also request that the school reconsider the measure altogether if their decision was arbitrary or unfounded.

You and your child’s willingness to correct the problem is a fundamental part of the process. If you and your child agree to adhere to the school’s code of conduct and take necessary measures, the school may revoke the expulsion. In this case, parents will need to keep the school informed on how treatment is progressing.

What if this isn’t my child’s first expulsion?

Even if a child has been expelled from one or several schools, parents should never give up. Rather, you must look for the root of the problem, provide support, and keep your child busy with extracurricular activities.

If you want to appeal a school’s decision,  you’ll only be successful if you’re sure the decision was unfair. However, the best idea is to switch schools and look for the help of a specialist.

It’s also important that you rule out any health or psychological problems. There are tutors, counselors, psychologists, rehabilitation programs and other free services available to assist you. Their use depends of the preferences and needs of each case.

Currently, there are schools and programs that offer alternative education, some of which are free. These programs can contribute to the reinsertion of difficult students into an academic environment.

Returning to the school system

Whether it be temporary or permanent, being expelled from school doesn’t have to mean social isolation. There will always be other schools to choose from. But if your child returns to the system, he or she will have to respect the statutes and protocols of the new institution.

Children need to understand that they bare responsibility in their educative process. This also means taking responsibility for violating regulations. Parental involvement and good communication with teachers are two key tools .

If you’ve sought outside help, you and your child should follow prescribed instructions. A professional will likely design a plan or program to assure your child’s future success, and following along is paramount. If your child’s expulsion was unjust, then you should reach out to organizations that can help you navigate the law .

Parents can seek the assistance of a lawyer for a hearing as soon as you receive notification that your child was expelled from school. The child and his or her parents should be present at the hearing, as well as the teachers and school officials involved in the incident.

The school’s Board of Directors will have the final say over your child’s expulsion. Even if your child’s expulsion is definitive, you can still evaluate other options. For example, you can look into night school or an alternative school program.

What’s important is that you not allow your child’s studies to become delayed or come to a stop. The decisions you make will directly affect your child’s future.