Steps Needed BEFORE Submitting a Truancy Referral:

 For a Truancy petition to be filed with the Prosecutor’s office, the law requires that the school fulfills its obligations by completing the following:

• The school officials have met with the student and/or guardian regarding the student’s educational or behavioral concerns. The following types of contacts will suffice:

  • Conferences

  • IEP meetings

  • Meetings with Counselors

  • Any other contacts where the school, parent and/or guardian, and student convened to address concerns

• Continued educational counseling, formal or informal, to discuss and disciplinary reports, non-disciplinary issues. This could include contact with a principal, counselor, or other school officials

• School officials have requested the help of an outside agency to assist in resolving attendance and/or behavioral concerns. Examples of such are:

  • Truancy Officer

  • Child Protective Services

  • Community Mental Health

It is important that any documentation reflecting the dates of all contact related to the above steps is included in the referral packet.