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School-Police Partnership: Identifying At-Risk Youth Through a Truant Recovery Program

NCJ Number
191418
Journal
Evaluation Review Volume: 25 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 507-532
Author(s)
Michael D. White; James J. Fyfe; Suzanne P. Campbell; John S. Goldcamp
Date Published
October 2001
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This study examined the impact of a collaboration developed by police and schools in one California school district to reduce truancy and juvenile delinquency.
Abstract
Much research has established that truancy is a consistent at-risk indicator of future criminality. This study focused on the experiences of a random sample of 178 juveniles targeted by and picked up in truancy sweeps by the Truant Recovery Program, a collaborative and nonpunitive school-law enforcement effort in the West Contra Costa Unified School District. The program's impact was measured by the analysis of juvenile justice and school information in the years before and after the truancy sweep. Results revealed that more than two-thirds of the truants were male. Their median age was 15. Seven percent had prior arrests, although nearly half had come to the attention of the police for a variety of reasons. The youths’ grades were well below average, they missed many school days, and they often became involved in trouble and were subsequently punished. During the 18-21 months of follow-up, their contacts with local police agencies, particularly formal arrests, increased considerably and most continued to struggle academically in school. Nevertheless, substantial improvement occurred in their basic school civility. Results indicate that intensive cooperative efforts between school and police may be effective in identifying troubled youth. The study raises questions about appropriate school and justice system responses for children who demonstrate at-risk behavior. Tables, figures, notes, and 20 references (Author abstract modified)