Strategies, Programs and Resources To Prevent Truancy Videoconference

• NCJ Number: 208807
• Date Published: February 2005
• Length: 0 pages
• Publication Series: OJJDP Teleconference Videotapes
• Agencies: OJJDP-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)

Annotation

This VHS videocassette presents a videoconference on strategies, programs, and resources from around the country designed to intervene and prevent truancy among the Nation’s youth.

Abstract

The introduction by the U.S. Deputy Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice illustrates the widespread problem of truancy and its deleterious outcomes for youth, families, and communities. Evidenced-based solutions to truancy are implemented across the country with positive results for families and youth. This moderator-led videoconference focuses on these evidence-based programs for truancy prevention and intervention by having a number of professionals from around the country discuss their successful strategies and practices. After the moderator presents an overview of the significance of the truancy problem, students themselves describe their own experiences with truancy, including why they skipped school and how it developed into a pattern of behavior. Three important components of successful truancy prevention programs are identified as attendance, attachment, and achievement. Another important topic focused on by the participants is the importance of educating communities concerning the extent of local truancy problems. It is only through gaining community support that comprehensive and multi-agency responses to truancy can be developed, implemented, and sustained. Another point made by participants is the value of outcome data and research in developing effective truancy programming. Only through careful evaluation and analysis can truly effective programming be designed. Funding strategies are addressed and descriptions of youth-focused programs are offered. The audience is encouraged to visit the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Web site to find more information on truancy prevention.