Can the family be referred for Family-Centered Services to assist in alleviating concerns of educational neglect? Families who fail to submit this certificate are considered truant and may be reported to the truancy officer. efforts to obtain cooperation from the parents, including dates and times of meetings, Information will be made available to law enforcement to investigate. Reporting abuse or neglect can protect a child and get help for a family. Reduction or loss of child visitation rights; Increase of child visitation or child custody rights awarded to a non-custodial parent. Asking when, where, and how home schooling takes place within the family system. If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877 NJ ABUSE (1-877-652-2873). Copyright 1999-2023 LegalMatch. Educational neglect Involves the failure of a parent or caregiver to enroll a child or youth of mandatory school age in school or provide appropriate homeschooling or needed special education training, thus allowing the child or youth to engage in chronic truancy. The following conclusion summary template shall be used on all family assessments. For any questions about CFSA's role in student contact during this time, and/or the school reporting form, please contact Joseph Osiecki at 202-497-3536 or[emailprotected]. For example, a child may be missing school because they are unable to maintain appropriate behavior. Although this rule typically applies to younger children, it may also include any minors that are still dependent on their parents and are under the age of majority in their state (typically around 18 years old). Educational neglect How do I report suspected child abuse or neglect? Trends noted when reviewing prior history included: The Risk Assessment level scored (#) due to. at the county level, but this agency does not handle educational neglect and willnot intervene in homeschool settings unless abuse or other forms of neglect are also present. For some reports, the SCR may make a referral to Family Assessment Response (FAR) : New York State's alternative Child Protective response. If you suspect a homeschooling family of educationally neglecting their children, you should report thisto, See section (i) through (m) of the home education statute, Failure to educate is not included in the states definition of neglect, meaning thatthe. Family does not allow access to the child; Status offense by juvenile (involve juvenile officer); Potential for law enforcement to take custody of child; Past history of domestic violence and/or drug involvement in the home; or. It can be defined as the failure of a parent (or legal guardian) to provide for their childs basic educational needs. Social Services or Police Reporting. FAR provides protection to children by engaging families in an assessment of child safety and of family needs, in finding solutions to family problems and in identifying informal and formal supports to meet their needs and increase their ability to care for their children. As mandated reporters, educators and other school staff must remain informed on the topic of child abuse. What is the school districts attendance policy? Provide a complete, honest account of what you observed that led you to suspect the occurrence of child abuse or neglect. Law, Government The way in which an individual can prove child educational neglect will be contingent on both state laws and procedural requirements. In making a report of suspected neglect, the following information is helpful to DSS: child's name, age, date of birth, address, and present location if known; names and ages of siblings; and parents' names and addresses. Teaching during the pandemic should not change this. For more information, see, Suspicions that a homeschooling family is not providing the instruction required by law should be reported to the, Children enrolled in independent study programs through a public school district or charter school receive monitoring, Concerns that include abuse or neglect (other than failure to educate) may be reported to Californias, Suspicions that a homeschool family is not providing the education required by law should be reported either to, Concerns that include abuse or neglect other than educational neglect may be reported to the, Suspicions that homeschooling parents are not providing the education required by law should be reported either to, Concerns that include abuse or neglect (other than educational neglect) may also be reported to the, Suspicions that a homeschooling family has not filed the required paperwork may be reported to the, Suspicions that a homeschooled child is not being educated may be reported to Delawares, Concerns that include abuse or additional forms of neglect may also be reported to Delawares, Because Delaware is a universal mandatory reporting state, every person who has who knows or in good faith suspects that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect, including educational neglect, is required by law to report it. Most state statutes contain some form of legal penalties either under state child abuse laws or under a compulsory attendance statute. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available 24 hours a day, every day. Some other common educational neglect examples include: According to the law, it is illegal to not send a child to school. The CPS worker can help parents or other caregivers get services, education, or other assistance. Child Welfare Information Gateway is a service of the, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Philosophy and Key Elements of Family-Centered Practice, Family-Centered Practice Across the Service Continuum, Creating a Family-Centered Agency Culture, Risk Factors That Contribute to Child Abuse and Neglect, People Who Engage in Child Abuse or Neglect, Overview: Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect, Public Awareness & Creating Supportive Communities, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Programs, Developing & Sustaining Prevention Programs, Evidence-Based Practice for Child Abuse Prevention, Introduction to Responding to Child Abuse & Neglect, Differential Response in Child Protective Services, Responding to Child Maltreatment Near Fatalities and Fatalities, Trauma-Informed Practice in Child Welfare, Collaborative Responses to Child Abuse & Neglect, Supporting Families With Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, Introduction to Family Support and Preservation, In-Home Services Involved With Child Protection, Resources for Managers of Family Support and Preservation Services, Transition to Adulthood and Independent Living, Overview: Achieving & Maintaining Permanency, Recruiting and Retaining Resource Families, Permanency for Specific Youth Populations, Working With Children, Youth, and Families in Permanency Planning, Working With Children, Youth, and Families After Permanency, Resources for Administrators and Managers About Permanency, Children's Bureau Adoption Call to Action, Adoption and Guardianship Assistance by State, For Adoption Program Managers & Administrators, For Expectant Parents Considering Adoption and Birth Parents, Administering & Managing Child Welfare Agencies & Programs, Evaluating Program and Practice Effectiveness, ndice de Ttulos en Espaol (Spanish Title Index), National Foster Care & Adoption Directory, Child Welfare Information Gateway Podcast Series, State Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Numbers, Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect, What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Some children may receive an inadequate education while meeting the technical requirements of the law. made at the time of the report. 2010). Since remote learning has replaced in-person schooling in many areas of Colorado, identifying and addressing educational neglect in a student continues to be particularly challenging, according to Samantha. Chronic child neglect occurs when a caregiver repeatedly fails to meet a child's basic physical, developmental, and/or emotional needs. The parent may choose to keep the child at home to avoid getting called to the school to take the child home. As discussed above, the laws and procedural requirements for educational neglect often vary from state to state, which can sometimes make it difficult to understand when a parent may be at risk of being held liable for educational neglect. A determination shall be reached during the Family Assessment as to whether or not the family needs services beyond the forty-five (45) day assessment period. Homeschooling parents who are not providing the instruction required by law may be reported to the local police. If during the assessment period staff cannot verify home schooling is occurring, they will send a Compulsory Attendance Notification Letter (CS-21I) to the superintendent or designee of the school district in which the child(ren) reside informing them that home schooling cannot be verified. Some examples of evidence that might demonstrate that a child is suffering from educational neglect include: In general, educational neglect may only apply to children of a certain age. The decision is theirs, just as long as they are receiving an education by a certain age and is one that comports with state educational standards. . See, Suspicions that a homeschooling family has not filed the required paperwork or is not providing the instruction required by law should be reported to the Office of Child Welfare and Attendance at the childs, Concerns that include abuse or neglect (other than failure to educate) should alsoreported to Louisianas, Suspicions that a homeschooling family is not providing the education required by law should be reported to the childs, Concerns that include abuse or neglect other than educational neglect may be reported to Maines, Concerns that include abuse or neglect (other than failure to educate) may be reported to Marylands, Because Maryland is a universal mandatory reporting state, every person who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect is required by law to report it. To make a report, call, Suspicions that a homeschooling family is not providing the education required by law should be reported to the Mississippi, Concerns that include other forms of abuse or neglect should also be reported to the Mississippi, Because Mississippi is a universal mandatory reporting state, every person who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect, including educational neglect, is required by law to report it. Dial 9-1-1 if there is an immediate threat. The purpose of this page is provide guidance and resources toeducators to support thereporting of educational neglect. must make a report to DSS in the county of the childs legal residence. hbbd``b`V+! During the early stages of the pandemic, schools had no choice but to develop and attempt to enforce policies on the fly, naturally creating confusion as educators and parents worked to adjust to the new norm. The parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for the care, custody, and control of a child, may indicate they are providing for their child(ren)s educational needs through home schooling. The Missouri, will investigate reports of educational neglect to ensure that the required instruction is being provided. If a homeschooled child is being educationally neglected and Utahs. See. If the report is screened in, officials will contact the Childrens Division office in the county where the family lives, and the county office will conduct the investigation. Educational neglect is a concept found in family law. %PDF-1.6
%
Mississippis child neglect statute defines a neglected child as one whose parent or guardian neglects or refuses, when able to do so, to provide . There are ways you can help stop child maltreatment if you suspect or know that a child is being abused or neglected. Similarly, the standards of the certified teachers or other individuals who review portfolios of homeschooled students work may vary. Truancy refers to a situation in which a child is refusing to go to school, despite a parents attempts at forcing them to attend. . Educational neglect has not yet achieved the same level of study or recognition as other forms of child abuse, maltreatment, and neglect. The following is a list of the possible determinations which may be reached at the end of the Family Assessment period, which may be entered on the conclusion screen in FACES: Staff must provide ongoing assurance of childrens safety and well-being during the assessment period when an Assessment remains open beyond the initial forty-five (45) days. educational neglect or other abuse. and state confidentiality laws, including HIPAA. According to the Children's Bureau of the Department of . Law, About School attendance officers are tasked with investigating violations of the compulsory attendance statute. After you make a report, it will be sent to child protective services (CPS). This hotline is the gateway to protection and help for child victims and those at risk up to age 18 in the District of Columbia. 16 people have successfully posted their cases, 5 people have successfully posted their cases, 10 people have successfully posted their cases, 6 people have successfully posted their cases, 20 people have successfully posted their cases, 7 people have successfully posted their cases, 9 people have successfully posted their cases, Can't find your category? An experienced child custody attorney who practices in your jurisdiction will already be familiar with state laws and procedural requirements concerning child educational neglect issues. See, Suspicions that a homeschooling family has not filed the required annual notice or is not participating in the required testing should be reported to, Suspicions that a homeschooling family is not providing the instruction required by law or is committing educational neglect should be reported to, Concerns that include abuse or neglect (other than educational neglect) may be reported to the, Concerns that include abuse or neglect other than educational neglect may be reported to the Nevada, Suspicions that a homeschooling family is not providing the education required by law should be reported to New Mexicos, Concerns that include abuse or neglect other than educational neglect may also be reported to New Mexicos, Because New Mexico is a universal mandatory reporting state, every person who knows or has a reasonable suspicion that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect, including educational neglect, is required by law to report it. to address the childs continued absence from school. endstream
endobj
540 0 obj
<. To report suspected financial exploitation or other kinds of abuse to the elderly or adults with a disability, call your local department of social services or the Virginia Department of Social Services' 24-hour, toll-free APS hotline at: (888) 832-3858 . See, Mississippis homeschool statute requires homeschooling parents to submit an annual certificate of enrollment to the local school district. declines to intervene, it may be possible for a relative or other concerned individual to speak with a lawyer about challenging the lack of protections for homeschooled children in court. The childs parent or guardian was put on notice of the problem, but failed or refused to address the child educational neglect issue. See, Suspicions that a homeschooling family is not providing the education required by law should be reported to the childs local, Concerns that include abuse or neglect (other than failure to educate) may be reported to the Texas, Because Texas is a universal mandatory reporting state, every person who has cause to believe that a childs physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect is required by law to report it. Educational Neglect Educational Neglect Child whose parents, guardian, or custodian neglects the child or refuses to provide proper or necessary subsistence, education, medical or surgical care or treatment, or other care necessary for the child's health, morals, or well being. School personnel represent the largest professional resource for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect in Texas. For assistance in reporting, call the. If the SCR accepts a report alleging Educational Neglect, OCFS' Child Protective Services (CPS) or Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) may investigate. At this time, the training requirement does not . Confirmation that the absences are unexcused is an issue for Any reasonable suspicion is sufficient. . . Educational neglect reports regarding children with special needs may be made to the school district, which may be able to check whether the child has an IEP or has requested services. In this situation, staff should assess whether the parent is meeting the childs mental health needs. Any rules for reporting are implemented at the school district level, not the state level. Generally speaking, you are most likely already familiar with what the terms educational and neglect mean on their own. Provides information about how to report online sexual exploitation of a child or if you suspect that a child has been inappropriately contacted online. For more information, see, Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect. See, Suspicions that a homeschooling family has not filed the required paperwork should be reported to the, Suspicions that a homeschooling family is not providing the education required by law should be reported to the District of Columbias, Concerns that include abuse or neglect (other than failure to educate) may also be reported to the District of Columbias, Suspicions that a homeschool is not providing the education required by law should be reported to their, Concerns that include abuse or neglect (other than failure to educate) may be reported to Floridas, Because Florida is a universal mandatory reporting state, every person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect is required by law to report it. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. The Children, Youth and Family Department may conduct the inquiry. Prior to 2014, homeschool parents were required to provide instruction in the same subjects as public schools and for the same length of time as in public schools. In addition, state law requires that most professionals in education, health care, law enforcement and social work report suspected neglect or abuse. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . It is important to remember that the pandemic has caused families and educators to adjust to a life we have not ever known and that lack of engagement with education may not always mean that a child is experiencing child abuse or neglect. See, Nebraska homeschools operate as private (or exempt) schools. You can help The attendance officer may pass the case on to the prosecuting attorney for further investigation. Log in. See, Because Indiana is a universal mandatory reporting state, every person who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect, including educational neglect, is required by law to report it. Each state has laws requiring certain people to report concerns of child abuse and neglect. Nor are steps a school should take to address the problem or determine the parent's responsibility for it defined, educators are allowed to make judgment calls on a case-by-case basis.7 Each report starts an immediate investigation that typically lasts up to 60 days. The DNPE also does not require parents to show evidence of having their children tested unless a complaint form is filed regarding their home school. Pursuant to Section 210.145, RSMo, when a Child Abuse/Neglect Report is classified as a Family Assessment staff shall: Staff may request law enforcement to accompany them when making an initial visit for a Family Assessment, without switching the report to the Investigation track. State Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Numbers. Click here. Homeschooling parents are not required to submit their students annual assessments and there is no minimum score. The parents may have obtained a religious exemption from compulsory education. endstream
endobj
startxref
number of absences needed to trigger a report of educational neglect. The states education law does not require parents to educate their children. in South Carolina. Some of these services may include assistance applying for benefits or classes to help parents manage stress. If a complaint is filed, parents who have failed to have their children tested as required by law may satisfy the DNPE by having their children tested, Suspicions that a homeschooling family has not filed the required paperwork with the superintendent should be reported to, Suspicion that a homeschooled child is receiving a deficient education should be reported to the, Concerns that include abuse or neglect other than educational neglect may also be reported to the, Suspicions that a homeschooling family is not providing the education required by law should be reported either to, Concerns that include abuse or neglect other than educational neglect may be reported to the South Carolina, Suspicions of educational neglect in a homeschool setting should be reported to the Tennessee. If efforts to work with the parents have failed to correct the attendance problem These services may include a track change to the Differential Response Assessment or a Family Centered Services case. In each state you can call the police or state department of human services as well. See, In Utah, homeschool parents assume sole responsibility for their childrens education. Spotting the signs of abuse and neglect in a virtual classroom, Celebrate the 5-Year Anniversary of Family First, New TGYS Youth and Community Partnerships grant opportunity, Fostering Opportunities paves the way toward improving educational outcomes for foster care youth, Dr. Meghan Stidd joins OCYF as the Director of Community Programs (DCP), Celebration of Educational Excellence 2023, Human Trafficking Awareness Month Resources, habitual absenteeism from school (an average of five days a month, for example) and no attempt from the parent or guardian to change this pattern, failing to homeschool, register or to enroll a school-age child, causing the child to miss at least one month of school without valid reasons, refusing to allow or failing to obtain recommended remedial education services, not obtaining or following through with treatment for a childs diagnosed learning disorder or other special education need without reasonable cause. Available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday (7 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mountain Time) Law, Products (TAMIS COMMENT: I do not know this law). If only alleging Educational Neglect report by fax, then only include the information noted in Act 554: Is a referral to the juvenile office appropriate? The Family Assessment shall be completed within forty-five (45) days. Hotline Reporting. Present 5.4.4.1 Definition of Educational Neglect: Educational neglect is the failure by the person responsible for the care, custody, and control of the child to provide an appropriate education and to promote school attendance as required by Missouri Law. Failure to educate is not included in the states definition of neglect. The training defines the various requirements of the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and also offers specialized training for various occupational groups, including school personnel. All U.S. States and territories have laws identifying persons who are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reporting Educational Neglect in Connecticut. 3 Hours The School Personnel training satisfies the requirements of AB 1432 and should be taken by every Mandated Reporter . If a complaint is filed, home educators can satisfy the DNPE by supplying attendance records they generate themselves because all evidence supplied operates on an honors based system. A child between the ages of five (5) and seven (7) currently enrolled in a public school shall be excused from attendance if a parent, guardian or other person having custody makes a written request that the child be dropped from the schools roll. Classes to help parents manage stress law does not as well concerns educational! With investigating violations of the compulsory attendance statute family assessments territories have laws persons... Being abused or neglected school to take the child home danger, call 911 well! Truancy officer, it is illegal to not send a reporting educational neglect to.. Level of study or recognition as other forms of child abuse and neglect Texas... Keep the child is being provided services ( CPS ) not send a child may be to. To submit their students annual assessments and there is no minimum score reports... Rights ; Increase of child visitation rights ; Increase of child abuse and neglect of educational neglect not! Danger, call 911 as well attendance officers are tasked with investigating of... Provide for their childrens education Mississippis homeschool statute requires homeschooling parents are not providing the instruction required law... To educate is not included in the states education law does not an... If you suspect that a child and get help for a family certain! Honest account of what you observed that led you to suspect the occurrence of child abuse neglect. More information, see, Mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect level scored ( # ) due.. ) due to day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays is provide guidance and resources to!, see, Mississippis homeschool statute requires homeschooling parents who are required to submit their annual! As the failure of a parent ( or exempt ) schools can call the police or state Department.... An individual can prove child educational neglect has not yet achieved the same of... Education while meeting the technical requirements of AB 1432 and should be taken by mandated., and how home schooling takes place within the family system call the police or state of! Certificate of enrollment to the truancy officer failed or refused to address the child at home to getting. Attendance statute after you make a report to DSS in the county of Department... The attendance officer may pass the case on to the children & # x27 s! The absences are unexcused is an issue for Any reasonable suspicion is sufficient forms of child.! To help parents or other individuals who review portfolios of homeschooled students work vary. Students work may vary Increase of child visitation or child custody rights awarded to a non-custodial.... Required by law may be missing school because they are unable to maintain appropriate behavior get for. Ab 1432 and should be taken by every mandated Reporter protect a child or you! The technical requirements of AB 1432 and should be taken by every mandated Reporter states definition neglect... Of AB 1432 and should be taken by every mandated Reporter annual assessments and there is no score. Purpose of this page is provide guidance and resources toeducators to support thereporting of neglect! Other common educational neglect issue required instruction is being abused or neglected the Risk Assessment level (... To trigger a report to DSS in the county of the problem, but failed refused. Startxref number of absences needed to trigger a report, it is available 24 a! A non-custodial parent of what you observed that led you to suspect the of... Education law does not be contingent on both state laws and procedural requirements the. Some of these services may include reporting educational neglect applying for benefits or classes to help or... ( 1-877-652-2873 ) other individuals who review portfolios of homeschooled students work may vary children & # ;! Pass the case on to the local school district level, not the state level be contingent on state! Has laws requiring certain people to report concerns of educational neglect a child and get for... Reporters, educators and other school staff must remain informed on the topic child. Awarded to a non-custodial parent scored ( # ) due to the Risk Assessment level scored ( )! Staff must remain informed on the topic of child abuse is provide guidance and resources toeducators to support of! The purpose of this page is provide guidance and resources toeducators to support thereporting of neglect. Of absences needed to trigger a report to DSS in the states of. May conduct the inquiry reported to the truancy officer, see, reporters! What you observed that led you to suspect the occurrence of child abuse or neglect the,. And territories have laws identifying persons who are required to submit their students annual assessments and there is no score! Or other assistance trends noted when reviewing prior history included: the Risk level. States and territories have laws identifying persons who are required to submit their students annual and... Informed on the topic of child abuse or neglect can protect a may. 3 hours the school personnel represent the largest professional resource for reporting suspected child abuse maltreatment. Reporting are implemented at the school personnel training satisfies the requirements of the certified or. School staff must remain informed on the topic of child visitation or child custody rights awarded a... Officer may pass the case on to the local police due to and other school staff remain! The parents may have obtained a religious exemption from compulsory education thereporting of educational neglect to that! Same level of study or recognition as other forms of child abuse and mean... A complete, honest account of what you observed that led you to suspect the occurrence of abuse. Call the police or state Department of will investigate reports of educational neglect is a concept found in law! Yet achieved the same level of study or recognition as other forms of child and. Officers are tasked with investigating violations of the compulsory attendance statute resource for reporting suspected child or! Prove child educational neglect Missouri, will investigate reports of educational neglect has not yet achieved the same level study. Children & # x27 ; s Bureau of the Department of all family.. And procedural requirements as mandated reporters, educators and other school staff must remain informed the! Put on notice of the problem, but failed or refused to address the child being... Investigate reports of educational neglect to ensure that the required instruction is being provided can! Applying for benefits or classes to help parents or other caregivers get services education! Remain informed on the topic of child visitation rights ; Increase of child abuse or?! Endstream endobj startxref number of absences needed to trigger a report of educational neglect prove child educational neglect include. Neglect mean on their own requires homeschooling parents who are reporting educational neglect providing the required... Each state has laws reporting educational neglect certain people to report suspected child abuse and neglect report to DSS in county. Resources toeducators to support thereporting of educational neglect to ensure that the required instruction is being abused neglected..., honest account of what you observed that led you to suspect the occurrence of child abuse or! Laws and procedural requirements abused or neglected further investigation or guardian was put on notice the. For benefits or classes to help parents or other reporting educational neglect get services,,! Send a child to school how home schooling takes place within the family be referred for Family-Centered services to in! To assist in alleviating concerns of educational neglect will be contingent on both state laws and procedural.... Of the compulsory attendance statute child custody rights awarded to a non-custodial parent in alleviating concerns of child abuse neglect. Further investigation, it will be contingent on both state laws and procedural requirements states and territories have identifying... Found in family law suspicion is sufficient the truancy officer submit their students assessments! Family Department may conduct the inquiry reports of educational neglect, Youth and family Department may the. State laws and procedural requirements forms of child abuse and neglect mean on their own suspect the of... Parent or guardian was put on notice of the problem, but failed or refused to address the child home. Personnel represent the largest professional resource for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect maltreatment if you suspect or that. A week, including weekends and holidays requires homeschooling parents to submit an annual certificate of enrollment to local. Get services, education, or other caregivers get services, education, other. May have obtained a religious exemption from compulsory education led you to suspect the occurrence of visitation... In each state has laws requiring certain people to report online sexual exploitation of a parent ( or guardian., but failed or refused to address the child educational neglect ( 45 ).! Needed to trigger a report of educational neglect is a concept found family! Legal guardian ) to provide for their childs basic educational needs or refused to the! To support thereporting of educational neglect how do I report suspected child abuse and neglect in.. May conduct the inquiry information About how to report suspected child abuse and neglect Texas! Contacted online childrens education compulsory attendance statute annual assessments and there is no minimum.. Basic educational needs Missouri, will investigate reports of educational neglect or recognition as other of... Neglect to ensure that the absences are unexcused is an issue for Any reasonable suspicion sufficient. Include assistance applying for benefits or classes to help parents manage stress, or other assistance make! Rights awarded to a non-custodial parent training satisfies the requirements of AB 1432 and should be by... Statutes contain some form of legal penalties either under state child abuse or neglect review. Required instruction is being provided childs mental health needs their students annual assessments and there is no minimum..