[Chief Hedgehog]

Chick -

If it was a school team, then you may have the resources available. However, that doesn't always mean that you will. That is the double-edge sword of public education.

From what I have gathered is that your team is a 'club' team - along the lines of a 4H team. That is where the legalities may end for you.

However, you seem to be a concerned and compassionate mentor/coach. Kudos to you. What I am sensing is that the parents are looking more for a place for their high-needs child than they are looking for a guided outlet for their child.

And that falls back to the parents. If they are more interested in just dropping their child off and allowing you to deal with the situation - well, you have other responsibilities. I feel for you. All of us are in this for the members of our team - all of them. And like all of us mentors, you will fight for your team members to the bloody end - you will make certain that you can give them all that they deserve.

Sadly, some parents do not see this. I don't know the situation - I don't wish to know what the parents of this child deal with on a daily basis. I have four children of my own and they are all vying for attention on their own accord.

However, I do not know the needs of this child - and I do not know the needs of the parents. But if this student is taking away from the team (which is your paramount concern) and the parents seem unwilling to cooperate, then you must cut ties before it effects your team.

If you do not the parents will continue in their pattern; the student will continue in his/her patterns; and the team will grow to resent the student.

I feel it is in your best interest to cut ties early to save the team from distraction that the parents are unwilling to address in this situation.

I do feel for you. Good luck.