Policy and Procedures for Truancy Complaints

Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to address the problem of truancy and absenteeism in Van Buren County in a more uniform fashion. The policy would be uniform for all school districts in the Van Buren Intermediate School District area, and all schools would be consistent with their handling of complaints. Truants would be held accountable for their abuse of absenteeism or truancy, as would the parents for their role in educational neglect.

Procedure:

1. At 5 unexcused absences or suspected truancies, the school shall meet with the student and discuss the attendance problem and alternatives in dealing with the problem. The student will also be informed of repercussions if the problem continues. The school will send the parent(s) a letter at this phase, advising them of the problem and the consequences if the problem continues and is not resolved.

2. If it is found that assistance is needed to correct the attendance problem, the school shall offer school social work or school counseling services or assistance to the student or the parent/guardian, or both. Educational counseling of the student must be done.

3. If this fails, and the student reaches 8 days of unexcused or suspected truancies, a second warning letter will be sent by the school to the parent(s) advising them that their child has missed further days. The school will also meet with the student to further assess the student’s reasons for accumulating more unexcused absences.

4. If the unexcused absences continue and reach 10 total days a third warning letter will be sent to the parent(s) by the school advising the parent(s) that if further absences occur a truancy referral will be sent to the Van Buren County Truant Officer.

5. If the student accumulates any further absences the school will e-mail a completed typed truancy/incorrigible referral form to the truancy officer and a formal complaint will be initiated. The Truant Officer will contact the school by e-mail or by phone requesting what action the school would like to take as in a school meeting which would include a school official, student, parent(s) and Truant Officer or have the Truant Officer serve the parent(s) a truancy warning letter in person.

6. If the student continues to be truant after the above actions have taken place the Truant Officer, with the consent of the school, will complete the truancy referral and add any necessary information to the report and submit the completed report to the Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office for review and issuance of petition(s) for the student of warrant(s) for the parent(s).