NCJ Number
208806
Date Published
February 2005
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Using comments from students, experts, and visual clips of program activities, this DVD provides instruction in strategies for preventing and intervening to address school truancy.
Abstract
First, truancy is portrayed as a prevalent problem that has dramatic consequences for the youth who engage in it in terms of their diversion from a path of constructive preparation for occupational and social achievements. This is followed by comments from students in King County, WA, regarding why they have been truant from school. Reasons include the desire to escape from the stress and boredom of school and enjoy the freedom of doing what is most pleasurable. In providing information on strategies for preventing and intervening to counter truancy, experts advise that the first step is to document the extent of truancy as well as reasons for it based on casework with the families of truants. This should be followed by the development of a multidisciplinary collaboration designed to address identified needs and problems linked to truancy. The collaboration should encompass representatives from school staff, students, parents, law enforcement agencies, juvenile court, faith-based organizations, social service agencies, businesses, and community-service organizations. The aim of such a collaboration should be to engage in strategies that increase school attendance, students’ attachment to the school community, and improved achievement in school performance. Other issues discussed are process and outcome evaluations for programs that are implemented and funding sources. The DVD also profiles various programs throughout the country that have addressed truancy through public awareness campaigns and community collaborations.