Goddard testifies

azfamily.com

LINK: Polygamy Diaries

PHOENIX -- Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard says hundreds of children in the polygamist community of Colorado City apparently aren't receiving an education.

Goddard says in testimony submitted to a congressional panel that children are frequently seen playing outside during school hours. He says that school-age boys reportedly are working at construction sites.

The sect's leader previously had members withdraw children from public schools and instead either home school them or enroll them instead in the sect's private schools.

But the private schools have closed and Goddard says only 12 parents have filed home-school affidavits.

Goddard says he's working with other officials and advocates to enforce truancy laws and persuade parents to enroll their children in school.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)