NCJ Number
172946
Journal
School Safety (November 1997) Volume: Issue: Dated: Pages: 1-3
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes a Truancy Intervention Program.
Abstract
The Truancy Intervention Project began during the 1994-1995 school year in the four Dade County, Florida elementary schools with the highest truancy rates. The program is based on a system that uses computerization to identify truant children after they have five unexcused absences from school. A strongly worded letter from the State Attorney notifies the parents or guardians of the legal responsibility to ensure regular school attendance under state law and of the potential for prosecution for defying such laws. This letter also notifies the family of a mandatory school meeting with the student, parents/guardians, school attendance personnel and counselors, and representatives of appropriate social service agencies. The parties meet to discuss interventions that may prevent future delinquency. The program's effectiveness is attributed to both enforcement of parental responsibility and offering of assistance and support to parents. The article describes highlights of the 1995-1996 program.