Situation:
A special needs boy (functional but parents are so closed minded about him being special needs that they believe he is 100% OK) earns merit badges and ranks until he is Life rank. Just prior to Life, his dad is made an assistant Scoutmaster because he needs to help with his son. All the ranks and merit badges minus 5 earned as Scout Camp were passed off by Dad.
Obviously you can't go back and remove his ranks or merit badges. The boy gets the benefit of doubt when it comes to what has already been passed off and awarded to him. His Dad has told me on multiple occasions that he can pass off anything for his son because he is an assistant Scoutmaster. I have tried explaining it to him but Dad gets defensive and argues his point.
His Eagle Project is coming up and I am afraid Dad might be doing the work for him. The boy while functional special needs cries at the drop of a hat if things are not done exactly how he wants it. He has gotten better but still has the need to grow. He is constantly needing to be reminded to stay on task. He is sort of in a "bubble" and if you don't tell him what exactly to do, he will go off and do his own thing.
Talks with parents about their boy needing "special" help because of his needs have gone on deaf ears. "He is a normal boy." is their reply. Obviously he is not. I have asked my gentle giant of a son to befriend this boy and because of that have experienced his issues first hand. It is clear he could benefit from some special help.
Is this boy ready for Eagle? Maturity isn't a requirement for Eagle.....
What do you do about his upcoming "father passed off" requirements? The boys isn't the issue.......
What do you do?
2 comments:
I'm reminded of something Commissioner Andy has said: "No boy can be saved from his own parents."
Same parents that wanted my son to feed and walk their dog while they were on vacation for service hours. They didn't want to pay anyone.
I still have no clue what to do....
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