by Ramona Taylor

Created on: October 22, 2009   Last Updated: October 23, 2009

It's hard being a teen in our modern society. And, as a parent, we can't always prevent bad things from happening to our kids at school. There are so many negative influences and real frustrations. Peer interaction can prompt criminal and violent responses and before you know it you are getting a call that your child has been expelled from school. The best way to deal with your child's expulsion is to understand his or her options as well as your options.

Reasons for Expulsion

Many U.S. Schools have a No Tolerance policy toward drugs and violent behavior. Actually, a U.S. Department of Education study revealed that most expulsions in schools occurs because of violence or potential violent behavior involving possession of firearms, weapons or other destructive devices. Students can be expelled, per local school policies, for fighting, threats to harm others or the school, and for possession of illegal substances. Fifty-eight percent of these expulsions are to high school students and the remainder for the middle school and elementary school age set.

If you child receives special education services, the process may differ slightly. A manifestation determination should proceed the informal expulsion meeting.

Once your child is expelled, you will receive some notification about the options for informal and formal hearings and appeals. This is often referred to as due process. Due Process is not some drawn out TV court drama, but it is a means of protecting your and your child's right to be heard in regards to his or her expulsion. These appeals are simple discussions and meeting with school officials. In these proceedings, you and your child have the opportunity to seek vacation or modification of the expulsion. If this fails, your child will be unable to enter onto school property for a set term- end of school, end of next school year, or never again.

It is important for you as a parent to advocate for your child. An expulsion impacts more than his or her ability to attend a particular school. An expulsion also effects his or her ability to enter college and depending on the offense and possible consequences of criminal proceedings, could impact their future employment and your housing (if you live in public or federally subsidized housing.

Educational Impact, Options and Services

Each state has compulsory education laws, and children under the age of 16 are expected to attend school. Once expelled, your child has options.

Alternative Public School Placement-

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