NCJ Number
82469
Date Published
Unknown
Length
34 pages
Annotation
The implementation, procedures, achievements, and drawbacks of the Truancy Outreach Program (TOP), which provided individual and group counseling to truant children in Alachua Country, Fla., are discussed.
Abstract
Counseling services were provided from April 1979 to June 1981. Over this time, 83 public school students participated in the program, 57 of whom were included in a series of experimental studies. Counselors were college and university students who met youngsters on a weekly basis for 6-11 weeks. Program analysis results indicated that a major reduction of the truancy rate was achieved among progran participants. However, this reduction did not reach the 50 percent criterion specified in the program's objectives. In addition, no relationship was found between truancy and delinquency. Implementation problems included communication breakdowns between agencies, misunderstanding related to identifying and referring potential participants, and the inadequacy of data for evaluation purposes. Recommendations for similar programs included different programs for different types of students, involvement of family members, coordination of program activities with school personnel, and the use of peer friendship concept in outside activities. One table is included. (Author summary modified)