The Youth Welfare Office denied a request for Melissa to visit her parents during her birthday (April 23). At 3AM, she climbed out of the window of her foster family and made her way home of her own volition. She left a note, thanking the family for her care.

Being 16, she should have greater rights at determining where she wishes to live, however she has not been discharged from the foster care system and this was not planned. She was able to celebrate her birthday at home. In the picture, you can see her with her mother looking at the letters from around the world. Several people stopped by to offer their congratulations and news agencies, including the Bayerischen Rundfunk (Bavarian Radio), FocusTV and the Nurenburg Nachrichten, were also present.

Authorities did not intervene, however some action is expected. Her lawyer has reportedly advised her to refuse to go with them. Upon questioning from the Nuremburger Nachrichten, the Youth Welfare Office responded, "We are informed as to the whereabouts of Amina." The office stated that it would not act in haste, but would weigh further steps carefully in the interests of the child. There is a nice article in the Nurenburg Nachrichten about the case. The following are some excerpted quotes:

About her flight: "I packed my things in the night, threw them out the window and jumped after them. I would like to stay home and never return there for any reason. I missed my family very much."

The worst part, she shares, was her stay in the psychiatric ward of the local clinic: "No one told me where I was or why I was there. It was like in a prison. I couldn't leave, only eat, sleep and watch a little television."

Plans for the future: "I would like to graduate, if possible, also [complete] the Abitur." (Highest level of German certification. This would allow her to go to university, if she chooses.) She does not rule out returning to a state school. "That depends on the circumstances."

On the 26th, Melissa's mother celebrated her birthday and was able to celebrate with all her children.

To view Melissa's virtual birthday celebration, check here and click on "Happy Birthday, Melissa."  Scroll down and you will see photos from several families who lit 16 candles for her birthday.  The goal was to have a total of 1968 candles to represent each hour she was away from her family.  This number has not yet been reached and so far as I know, the site is still accepting pictures if you would like to send one in.  The photos will be displayed on the site and later made into an album to give to Melissa.  The email address to send the photos to is:

falumafischer@aol.com

More information for those who have been following the situation in Germany:

Sheila Lange is an American married to a German citizen.  They are currently living in Germany and homeschooling. 

Scatty is homeschooling in Germany and shares her insight into the situation as well.

I have several updates on my blog.  These consist primarily of summaries and translated excerpts of German news articles and items forwarded me by Netzwerk Bildungsfreiheit.

This case has sparked a bit of a debate about homeschooling in Germany, which could prove positive in the long run.  As Scatty notes in her entry, the subject was once taboo.  Now it is being covered by several news outlets in Germany, and is the subject of conversation on several German internet message boards.

Dana Hanley has a degree in Education and Liberal Arts with a major in German from the University of Kansas.  She lived for a total of two years in Germany as an exchange student and currently homeschools her own three children.

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