Essay On Truancy Prevention

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There are a number of truancy prevention programs that shown to be effective. Bulack et al (2011) suggests the following strategies for reducing truancy; parental involvement in preventative actions, firm penalties, incentives, consequences, and support that are significant to both child and parent, the program should work closely with various community resources, such as law enforcement, social services, mental health services, and mentors. Support from within the school system, including administrators to commit to supporting youth, to help keep them in school, and ongoing evaluation of the students’ progress (Bulach, Lunenburg, & Potter, 2011)
Early intervention is also very important, such as visits to the home when the child still has only a few unexcused absences (Bulach, Lunenburg, & Potter, 2011). An interesting__________by _________ finds that alternative schools in separate facilities were not as successful as alternative programs that were housed within traditional schools. This includes mentoring and behavioral programs, as well as small groups that were willing to teach using different curriculum or teaching methods, these programs have a positive outcome on attendance (Klima, Miller, & Nunlist, 2009).
Springfield truancy court created a team including a judge, family advocate, licensed clinical social worker, and a juvenile officer. Teachers worked closely with the team, created weekly updates for review by the judge, and the team met weekly with the students and their parents for a period of 10-12 weeks. They were given supplies such as an alarm clock, and various school supplies, and throughout the 10-12 week period, there were fun activities such as family pizza parties and other incentives. While...

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... While other programs can be included before and after a child is charged with a Class C misdemeanor, the only mandatory ___to ‘help’ these students is a charge, a fine, and a visit to court. Therefore, according to NASW standards, the state of Texas epically fails these students.
Addition points regarding the ramifications of truancy charges ___If court costs will cause hardhip due to financial situations, an indegency hearing may be requested, which unfortunately takes more time in court as well as time off work. The judge presiding over the case may also choose, at his discretion, to waive fines and court costs. If the child violates court orders, they can be held in comtemped and imposed additional fines, up to $100, and up to 3 days in jail. Some school districts may also report these convictions to social services. (Texas Young Lawyers Association, 2012)

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