In our training program for professionals in child welfare and related fields, we present findings from our Homeschooling’s Invisible Children (HIC) database. HIC tracks and examines severe, often fatal incidents of child abuse and neglect that occur in homeschool settings.  To date, we have examined over 500 cases of abuse and neglect, which have resulted in over 200 child fatalities. The data we have collected illuminate how abusive caregivers are able to use homeschooling to conceal and escalate their abuse. 

We analyze our findings and discuss what they teach us about the unique risks that abused homeschooled children face, covering and patterns of abuse associated with abusive homeschool environments. After surveying homeschooling policy and practice in the US, we conclude by discussing how policy and procedural gaps can lead to devastating outcomes for abused homeschooled children and potential interventions.