Truancy Diversion Program

OJJDP is partnering with the Department of Education and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to implement a multidisciplinary initiative to improve school climates, respond early and appropriately to student mental health and behavioral needs, avoid referring students to law enforcement and juvenile justice as a disciplinary response, and facilitate a proactive and supportive school reentry process in the rare instances in which a youth is referred. This is part of a larger effort to enhance collaboration and coordination among schools, mental and behavioral health specialists, law enforcement, and juvenile justice officials at the state and local levels and ensure adults have the support, training, and a shared framework to help students succeed in school and prevent negative outcomes. This program is authorized pursuant to paragraph (3)(D) under the Juvenile Justice heading in the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2014, P.L. 113-76, 128 Stat. 5, 64-65.

The goal of the Nevada Truancy Diversionary Program (TDP) is to reduce the number of students entering the formal juvenile justice system as a result of skipping school. Truancy is often a symptom of greater need within the family. The TDP strategy includes identifying and addressing a variety of family issues including substance abuse, medical and mental health issues or lack of basic necessities such as food, clothing, and housing by utilizing an evidence-based specialty court model. The program also promotes improvement in academic achievement and attempts to reduce student behavioral problems, thereby proactively reducing the number of juveniles entering the court system. The TDP is a partnership between the Family Court and the Assistant CCSD Superintendent who oversees all attendance enforcement and programs. Anticipated Outcomes and Major Deliverables: 51% or more students participating will decrease absenteeism, and will show an increase in days present between the time they were involved in the program and the time prior to program involvement, and will graduate from the program during the school year.
CA/NCF