Ø Use school and district resources to identify and address attendance problems as early as possible. Students with repeated unexcused absences may face leaning and/or individual or family health, culture, language, socioeconomic or mental health issues – See enclosed Truancy Prevention Flowchart and Promoting School Engagement,
Ø For children under age eleven, refer to DYFS; failure to attend in the elementary grades is usually a parenting issue.
Ø Where appropriate, sign a complaint against the parents through Municipal Court; see Truancy Prevention Flowchart. Work with SRO if available to expedite this process.
Ø When applicable refer to Juvenile Family Crisis Unit. Under N.J.S.A.2A:4A the JFCIU of the Bergen County Division of Family Guidance is charged with assisting with a pattern of repeated unauthorized absences from school by a juvenile under 16 years of age. Per N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.8 truancy procedures should include an optional referral to JFCIU for between 5 and 9 cumulative unexcused absences, and a mandatory referral after 10 unexcused absences.
§ Complete Truancy Reporting Form, enclosed; fax or email to JFCIU.
§ Respond to call from JFCIU Counselor for needed additional information.
§ Know that JFCIU will promptly contact the family to offer counseling, referrals, etc.
§ Maintain contact with JFCIU Counselor as he/she seeks to work with the child & family. Counselor will cooperate with the school to facilitate progress and monitor difficulties.
§ When the efforts of the school, family and FCIU have failed to improve school attendance, the case may be brought before the Family Court Judge. It must be noted, however, that the Family Court has limited enforcement powers in truancy cases.
