Chesterfield, VA—A father is fighting back, after being
charged with truancy because his son's rare illness prevents him from coming to
school.
"When I have outsiders stepping in and punishing me for having a sick
child, I won't allow it," Tim Roberts told 8News. Roberts' son, Christopher was
born with a rare bone condition called Pfeiffer disease. The 15-year-old's bones
grow faster than the rest of his body, and he has had over 30 surgeries.
"When he was smaller he had a lot of major surgeries where they had to
put plates and stuff in his face and skull," Tim Roberts explained.
Christopher has not been able to attend Manchester Middle School
since last spring, because of all the doctor's visits and hospitalizations.
"These are hospital reports from where he has had to go to the
emergency room," Tim Roberts told 8News, as he showed us a folder
containing each of Christopher's doctor and hospital visit record for the past
five months.
State law requires homebound instruction for any student confined at home or
in a health car facility. But Christopher's doctors have advised against
homebound instruction for the teen, because they are fearful he could catch an
infection. Tim Roberts says he has explained this to school officials again and
again.
"I would not do anything to keep him from school, I want him to have the
best," Roberts said. "But unfortunately with him being sick, I can't give him
the best."
Roberts was outraged when he received the court summons, accusing him of
truancy for Christopher's absences. Although he has several letters from
doctors, explaining why Christopher has to miss school, Roberts says
Chesterfield Public Schools officials won't listen.
8News reached out to Chesterfield Schools about this issue; they replied
with the following statement:
"The school division will continue to work directly with the
family. Federal and state laws prevent
us from disclosing certain information about students."
Roberts says he is fed up with the battle over his son's education. "Until
the Chesterfield County School board is gets a license on their wall that says
they are a surgeon or God I will not tolerate it."
Stay with 8News for updates.
Copyright 2013 by Young Broadcasting
of Richmond
