Youth protection closes investigation into ultra-Orthodox Hasidic school

Parents and directors at a Hasidic school in theRosemontLa-Petite-Patrie boroughsay they're pleased the province's youth protection departmenthas closed its file,after the school was raided over concerns of "educational neglect."

The Viznitzcommunity school, operated by theultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jewishcommunity,was raided by officials from Batshaw Youth and Family Centresin June.

The concern wasa potential violation of the province's Youth Protection Act which requires that children are given the proper access to schooling.

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That investigation was closed in July, but the details only became public this week.

In a letter signed by Assunta Gallo, thedirector of youth protection for CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'le-de-Montral, which manages Batshaw,the agencysaysthe community's decision to register children in home-schooling removesthe risk they will not be receivea proper education.

"The observations and assessments demonstrate that your [children] are meeting developmental milestones," the letter reads.

"Therefore, we have concluded that there is not enough evidence to support the presumption that your [children's] security or development may be considered in danger."

AbrahamEkstein, a spokesman for the community, said the issue was never about the safety of the children attending the school.

"It was only a difference of opinion in the way of educating the children that has been settled," he said.

"I think this is a win-win situation for all Quebecers."

Extra support

The children will be registered with the English Montreal School Board and will receive some in-school instruction at the community schoolas well as extra educational support.

The students will be tested on the same material as other elementary students, but they will receive additional instruction inreligious and Hebrew studies at the community school.

Yitty Shachan,a former teacher and a mother of five, said she's looking forward to home-schooling her children.

"I believe home-schooling also saves a lot of time over classroom-schooling, simply because you're working one on one with the child, you usually can move at a faster pace," she said.

Shachan says some children might spend more time at the school than others. Ekstein saidthat will be determined on an individual basis.