Navigating the Second Appearance in Truancy Court: A Guide for Parents and Students

Greetings, I served on our County Truancy Board for ten years during my teaching career. While courts in my state do have the capacity to fine families and sentence chronically truant students to Juvenile Hall incarceration, the true goal is to keep kids in school. If any student finds themselves in front of a judge for a second appearance, after saber-rattling veiled threats of fines or time in “juvy”, they will be ordered to return to school on a regular basis and warned not to repeat a string of absences. In my memory, no student has actually been put away for truancy, and fines have been placed in abeyance so long as the kid attends school regularly.

Ironically, penalties for truancy are less about the value of education and more about liability issues schools face over supervising students who are supposed to be in their charge.

Best wishes for every success.

Sincerely,
AJG.

What Happens the Second Time You Go to Truancy Court?

In truancy court, the first time a student is often let off with a warning. However, the second time, they are more likely to be referred to juvenile hall. This is a critical milestone in the truancy court process, as it signals a more serious intervention into the truancy issue.

In all civilized and developed countries, including the USA, Truancy Courts provide a place for the student, visiting teacher, family, and judge to identify why a child is not attending school and develop a plan to address those obstacles. The hearing might take place at the school. The first step in the truancy court process usually involves a summons or notice to the parent.

Rules and Penalties for Truancy Court

When a student is brought to truancy court for a second appearance, the judge will order special conditions for the student and/or family. These conditions can include mandatory counseling or creating a plan for regular school attendance. In most cases, penalties are usually fines, not jail time. However, violations of these conditions can lead to more stringent penalties.

For students who cut too many classes before they are 16, they could end up in juvenile court. Parents who do not try to get their kids to school might be fined or even sent to jail. The penalties for truancy are less about the value of education and more about the liability issues that schools face over supervising students who are supposed to be in their charge.

A Journey Through Truancy Court

The journey through truancy court involves several key steps:

Summons or Notice: The process typically begins with a summons or notice to the parent, informing them of the next court appearance. Hearing: The hearing might take place at the school. During this meeting, the student, family, teacher, and judge will discuss the reasons for the truancy and work on a plan to address the issue. Special Conditions: The judge may order special conditions for the student and/or family. These can include counseling, regular attendance plans, or even community service. Penalties: If the student or family fails to meet the conditions set by the judge, penalties can include fines or, in some cases, referral to juvenile hall.

Conclusion

Truancy court is a crucial tool in keeping students in school and ensuring they receive the education they need. While the penalties for a second appearance in truancy court can be serious, the ultimate goal is to find a solution that works for both the student and the family. By understanding the process and the potential outcomes, parents and students can better navigate the challenges of truancy and work towards a successful educational journey.