NCJ Number
170859
Date Published
1996
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This videotape explains the problems associated with school truancy and describes the Truancy Intervention Program (TIP) initiated in Ramsey County (Minn.) to address the problem.
Abstract
The discussion notes that truants tend to become involved in juvenile delinquency and that truancy is associated with increases in auto theft, burglary, purse snatching, and vandalism. In addition, a study revealed that 71 percent of inmates did not finish high school. TIP was patterned after a successful program in Los Angeles. It involves collaboration among the schools and the prosecutor's office. The case of 15-year-old Emily illustrates the process. The school sends the name of any student aged 12-16 who has been absent for 3 days without an excuse. The county attorney sends a letter to the parents. A group meeting at the school explains to the student and parents that the prosecutor is monitoring attendance. The second step is a school attendance review meeting for a student who continues to be truant. The third step is a petition to juvenile court and a court hearing for students who are still truant. The judge has the option of ordering intense supervision, removal of the driver's license, treatment, or removal of the student from the home. Emily reports that signing a contract at the second meeting helped her realize the value of school. The discussion notes that the program has served 2,000 students in its first year, has helped St. Paul address the truancy problem, and has succeeded due the collaboration plus the support and funding from the State legislature and the county.