A New York court has ruled that Kadina ZZ neglected her daughter Ma'Zaya RR's education, failing to provide adequate homeschooling after the child was excluded from public school. The ruling, issued by Judge Jacqueline Ricciani of the Sullivan County Children's Court on October 26, 2026, highlights the importance of parental responsibility in ensuring a child's education. The case underscores the legal obligations parents have regarding their children's schooling, especially in the context of homeschooling.

The court's decision affects Ma'Zaya, who was born in 2010, and raises questions about the responsibilities of parents who choose to homeschool their children. It emphasizes that parents must adhere to educational standards set by the state, even when opting out of public schooling.

Background

The case began on March 21, 2025, when the Department of Social Services (DSS) filed a petition alleging that Kadina ZZ had neglected her daughter, Ma'Zaya RR. The petition claimed that Kadina failed to provide her child with an adequate education as required by New York's Education Law. The court noted that Ma'Zaya had been absent from school for an extended period, leading to concerns about her educational welfare.

After several attempts to serve Kadina with court documents, she was finally served on April 3, 2025. However, she did not appear in court on April 28, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants. Kadina was taken into custody on August 15, 2025. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Kadina had communicated with the Monticello Central School District (MCSD) about homeschooling Ma'Zaya but had not completed the necessary documentation until after the court proceedings began.

The Ruling

In her ruling, Judge Ricciani found that Kadina ZZ was responsible for neglecting her daughter's educational needs. The court stated, "The Department has the burden to establish neglect by a preponderance of the evidence, and they have met that burden here." The judge noted that Kadina had failed to provide an adequate education for Ma'Zaya, particularly during the time the child was excluded from school due to vaccination issues.

The court emphasized that, despite Kadina's claims of homeschooling, there was no credible evidence that Ma'Zaya received an education equivalent to what she would have received in public school. The judge pointed out that Kadina's lack of preparation and cooperation with educational authorities contributed to the neglect finding. The court ordered that a dispositional hearing would take place on December 22, 2026, to determine the next steps for Ma'Zaya's welfare.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for families who choose to homeschool their children. It highlights the necessity for parents to comply with state educational requirements, even when opting out of public schooling. The court's decision serves as a reminder that parents must ensure their children receive a quality education, which includes proper documentation and adherence to curriculum standards.

The ruling also sets a precedent regarding the responsibilities of parents in similar situations, particularly those who may refuse vaccinations for their children. It demonstrates that parents cannot neglect their educational duties based on personal beliefs without facing legal consequences.

What's Next

Following this ruling, Kadina ZZ has the option to appeal the decision. Additionally, the upcoming dispositional hearing will determine the future educational arrangements for Ma'Zaya RR. The court will consider what measures need to be taken to ensure that Ma'Zaya receives the education she needs moving forward.