Bergen County Department of Human Services
Division of Family Guidance FCIU 8/10
Putting the Pieces Together
Truancy Prevention Recommendations
Addressing an emerging pattern of absenteeism in the early stages may prevent truancy and all its concomitant problems. Your I&RS Committee may be helpful once problems are identified. Professionals in the field of truancy prevention offer the following suggestions:
Programmatic Strategies
Develop, communicate and implement clear policies and procedures regarding attendance.
Students and parents must understand the expectations and consequences regarding attendance and tardiness.
Recognize that early intervention works best and is the most cost effective.
Designatea person in the school to be the truancy prevention case manager.
This individual should have the time and authorization to establish a rapport with the student the family and appropriate community resources.
Recognize that many students with attendance problems may face significant challenges regarding family, health or mental health issues.
Understand the communities and the cultures from which students come.
Encourage school engagement/parent involvement.
Keep an open door policy; let the family know they can call upon you.
Build and maintain relationships with community agencies, including those with
cultural connections.
Have a resource guide for community agencies and phone numbers to contact if the family is facing a challenge.
Refer to appropriate community agencies.
Encourage truancy prevention case manager to meet with an at-risk student regularly and follow up with student, family and staff.
Assess the appropriateness of the educational placement and adjust as needed.
Facilitate tutoring, mentoring.
Provide anti-bullying, anger management, conflict resolution education.
Avoid passing judgment, and focus on the student’s and family’s strengths.
Arrange for carrots and sticks – see chart.
Empower the students by allowing them to select among a set of choices that you provide.
Recognize that while a high school diploma should be goal for most students, for some the best option may be a GED.
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In a situation of parental neglect or endangerment refer to DYFS.
If the parents are clearly non-cooperative or a significant barrier to the child’s attendance make a referral to Municipal Court.
If early or other efforts are not successful refer to FCIU
Adapted from Tool Kit for Creating Your Own Truancy Reduction Program Sponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and prepared byNationalCenter for School Engagement. Truancy Case Management Handbook, EMorley 8/10