Truancy Court Program
Early intervention addressing problems underlying truancy can prevent this behavior from leading to delinquency, crime and violence.
The Truancy Court Program (TCP) targets “soft truancy” — students who have fewer than 20 unexcused absences per semester but retain academic, social and emotional connections to school. The TCP addresses the root causes of truant behavior and links families to needed social services or other community-based supports.
The voluntary program consists of 10 weekly in-school meetings among the student, the child's parent or caregiver, a judge or master who volunteers his/her time, a mentor, a CFCC Student Fellow and a CFCC supervisor. Interventions include parenting classes, tutoring, training in basic skills, counseling and anger management.
Initial data indicate an overall 75 percent decrease in absences for students during and immediately following their TCP participation.