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Truancy Program
Youth experiencing attendance problems in school are referred to Juvenile Services for processing and court intervention. If a youth is found to be truant sanctions can be imposed for non-compliance. Detention or community service can be assigned. Case coordination is assisted by this department and school districts.
Program Goals
- Provide early intervention for students in middle and elementary school to reduce chronic school truancy.
- Provide access to an academic tutor so students can improve the basic reading, writing, math and study skills.
- Reduce the number of truancy petition filings, especially court filings for first-time offenders.
Systematic and thorough identification and assessment of the needs of the targeted youth and their families will allow appropriate response through a variety of strategies, including academics and social service providers. Following two unexcused absences and telephone contact with the family, an appointment with the parent/guardian and student will be arranged. An assessment/profile of the students referred to a case manager will be conducted. After completing the assessment, the case manager will meet with the family and coordinate a meeting and planning session with the school for an individual student plan of action for each youth. The case manager will meet with the family and coordinate a meeting and planning session with the school for an individual student plan of action for each youth. The case manager, when appropriate, will help the family locate resources and services within the community which meet the needs of the student and the family and will ensure student attendance at school. The case manager will maintain records of progress for each student and do periodic follow up with the student, family and school. Should the interventions prove unsuccessful, the youth will be referred to the Truancy Board for recommendations and additional support to the family. The case manager will serve as a liaison between the student, family and Truancy Board.
Objectives
- Coordinate intervention strategies among home, school and social service providers, including
- Lower Elwha Tribal Authorities.
- Assess the needs of the student and her/his family.
- Create a plan for each student, coordinated with school, family and social services.
- Maintain records and follow up on student activities and services.
- Serve as liaison to Truancy Board.
Our target population has the potential for successful intervention. Any student, regardless of prior remediation efforts, test scores or qualifications, will have the opportunity to access a tutor. The tutoring will be provided outside the regular school day and in an off-campus location or at the school site. Any subject area or skill will be allowed, even though the focus will remain on basic skills. Completing work and creating a finished product required by the teacher will provide a feeling of success and accomplishment for these students. They have not yet lost or are in danger of losing credit toward high school graduation requirements. They can, with one on one or small group tutoring, gain the skills necessary to be successful in the school setting.
Objectives
- Assist any student referred, no further qualifications are necessary
- Increase the basic skills of referred students in the areas of reading, writing, communications and mathematics.
- Provide study skills.
- Assist students in the completion of any project or homework.
- Provide assistance in a setting that is not intimidating or uncomfortable to the student.
The proposed intervention will reduce the number of petitions filed with the court and thereby reduce court costs and the time needed to process petitions and follow up with contempt filings. By intervening early, we hope to stop a cycle that has often ended in chronic truancy, dropping out of school and a tendency to commit crimes. A case manager will be able to coordinate each of the agencies working with the students and their families. If the initial interventions prove to be ineffective for a youth, the case manager is in a position to then become a liaison to the truancy/diversion board and will be able to streamline their process. The case manager can provide appropriate documentation regarding strategies and interventions already employed for the individual. The Truancy Board will then be able to shore up gaps and reinforce for the youth and her/his family the critical nature of their continued behaviors. The case manager will also be able to provide follow-up reports on each youth to determine progress, effectiveness of service alignment, and to identify gaps in services.
Objectives
- Reduce the number of court filings by Truancy Board intervention.
- Coordinate efforts to maximize effectiveness.
- Stop the cycle of continued unexcused absences before it becomes chronic.
- Intervene early enough to reduce the risk of more serious criminal activity.
- Streamline the Truancy Board's activity through coordination with the case manager.
- Provide support and backup to parents/guardians in their efforts to keep their children in school.