NCJ Number
163894
Date Published
Unknown
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This description of the Richmond Truancy Prevention Program (Virginia) addresses its goals, scope, strategies, cooperating agencies/institutions, participant roles and responsibilities, and suggested publicity strategies.
Abstract
The goals of the program are to return out-of-school youth to school, enforce the compulsory school attendance law, significantly reduce the dropout rate, reduce crimes committed by school-age youth, and encourage more parental involvement. The program targets all children from ages 6 through 18 inclusive, from kindergarten through grade 12 living within the city limits. The program relies on the following major participants: parents, schools, police, the juvenile court, and local businesses and merchants. One of the strategies implemented is the assignment of police officers, roving security specialists, and return-to- school officers to the program. Another strategy is to return school-age youth to their respective schools or provide alternative programs to support regular school attendance. Further, the school curriculum is designed to be compatible with the needs and abilities of each student. There is citywide planning and coordination of programs and services aimed at confronting truancy.