Protecting a child’s right to education
The focus of the work of an EWO is around the educational welfare of the child and on ensuring that concerns and problems are dealt with before school attendance becomes a crisis issue.
However, if a parent doesn’t work with the EWO to address the problems around school the EWO has the power to take legal action against the parent under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000.
Taking legal action against a parent or guardian is a very serious matter and may involve the parent/parents being taken to court. It is an action of last resort when all other offers of support have failed and the parent has not supported the plan developed with the EWO.
Imposing a sanction on parents or guardians for non-attendance is the responsibility of the local District Court Judge in each case having heard all the evidence including that of the EWO and the parent/guardian.