Famecrawler
Another Teen Sailor Attempting Trip Around The World, Child Protection Steps In
Just 6 weeks after 16 year old Abby Sunderland caused a national panic after disappearing at sea while trying to sail around the world, another young Dutch girl is trying the same thing. Laura Dekker is just 14!
Laura wanted to attempt the trip last year, but a court put guardianship on her,forbidding her to set sail. Now, just a year later, the legal system has seen it fit to lift the ban and let her take on the dangerous mission.
“With this decision, the responsibility for Laura lies with her parents” said Judge S. Kuypers. “It is up to them to decide whether Laura can set off on her sail trip.”
What do they think of this possibly lethal task?
Her mother and father, who are separated, both support her decision.
Is this irresponsible or are they doing the right thing by allowing their child to follow her dreams at a sport she excels at?
The Council for Child Protection in the Netherlands think it’s crazy! They have begged the court to extend the ban. They are currently prepping for a legal appeal, arguing that the trip will cause the teen physical and mental damage. Taking a time period of two years, she will be in isolation for long period of time.
When an organization that protects children steps in to try and stop a decision that you have made as a parent, you would think this would give cause for pause. Thus far, Laura’s family is standing behind her choice.
Laura could leave in as soon as two weeks. If she manages to complete the mission, she will beat the world record for youngest person by two years.
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3 Comments
Joyce commented on Aug 02 10 at 10:13 amThis is absurd!!! Parents should be held accountable and should be prosecuted for allowing a minor to put herself in harms way.Its no different than leaving children alone at home for days wouldn’t a parent be jailed for that?? If this child gets lost who do you think will flip the bill to get her? The tax payers thats who. I say ok if she is willing to make a n dult decision and the adults are willing to be children that they are totally on their own. Let them search for her dead or alive. Maybe if it hits their pockets would they then suddenly become ADULTS!!!
crystal h commented on Aug 02 10 at 8:28 pmMeh…it’s up to the parents. Doesn’t Dutch CPS have better stuff to do?
Jeff commented on Jan 10 11 at 9:08 amThis is simple. I don’t know how this would be done but require the parents to put up $500,000 in escrow. This money would be used for the expected rescue operations that will ensue when the child is in trouble. I don’t remember the total bill for the cost of the rescue for the other young girl but I think it exceeded the amount I quoted. Even if it’s less they should still be required to foot the recovery expenses.
What’s next? A 12 year old that wants to beat the record? Where do you draw the line? 11 years old? 10 years old?
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