The least obtrusive thing school officials can do when they suspect that the best interests of the child aren't being met is schedule a conference. In most cases, school officials start by speaking to the parents and voicing their concerns. By setting up a voluntary conference at which they discuss their concerns about the student, school officials can attempt to create a cooperative relationship instead of an adversarial one and, in doing so, likely increase the parents' eagerness to agree with the suggestions that school officials present.
If the actions of the parent put the child in danger of physical and emotional harm, the school can refer the matter to child protective services. This state agency can then investigate the situation in a much more comprehensive manner than the school ever could. If the child is found to be in danger, the state will handle the situation, addressing it as appropriate and working to ensure that the child is no longer in harm's way, even if that means removing the child from the custody of his parents.
Not only can a member of a school report a parent to child protective services if he feels that the child is in some way in danger, he is legally mandated to do so. Individuals who work in education, like those in the healthcare field, are mandated reporters. This means that if they have any reason to suspect that a child is in physical or emotional danger, they are legally required to report their suspicions. If a teacher sees a mark on a child that neither the child nor the parent can explain in satisfactory terms, she must report this. Similarly, if the child tells the teacher information about a crime that was committed against him, the teacher must share this information with proper authorities for the protection of the child.
There are times in which a school has no rights in regard to actions, even if it feels that the steps would be in the students' best interest. If a parent, for example, chooses to decline special education services for a child who qualifies for this assistance, the school can do nothing to legally compel the parents to accept the services. Similarly, if a parent of a child who suffers from ADHD, a hyperactivity disorder that could impact a child's ability to be successful in school, decides not to medicate the child, the school has no right to force the parent to do so. Ultimately, unless the child is in danger, the parent has legal control over the minor and, aside from strongly suggesting options that it feels will benefit the student, the school can do nothing to require the parent to act where she doesn't want to.