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Truancy Reduction Pilot Program First Judicial Circuit of Maryland

Truancy Reduction Pilot Program. In 2004, the General Assembly created the Truancy Reduction Pilot Program (TRPP).The TRPP is Codified at 3-8C-01 through 3-8C-10 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.The TRPP enjoyed the support of local Boards of Education and began in Wicomico County Maryland in January 2005..

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Truancy Reduction Pilot Program First Judicial Circuit of Maryland

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    1. Truancy Reduction Pilot Program First Judicial Circuit of Maryland Presentation to the Delinquency Prevention and Diversion Services Task Force May 13, 2008

    2. Truancy Reduction Pilot Program In 2004, the General Assembly created the Truancy Reduction Pilot Program (TRPP). The TRPP is Codified at 3-8C-01 through 3-8C-10 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article. The TRPP enjoyed the support of local Boards of Education and began in Wicomico County Maryland in January 2005.

    3. Truancy Reduction Pilot Program Continued During the 2007 Legislative Session, House Bill 1325 extended the pilot to 2009 and authorized the establishment of a Truancy Reduction Pilot Program in Harford County and Prince Georges County.

    4. What is truancy? A student who is unlawfully absent from school more than 20% of the school days in any marking period, semester or year is habitually truant. Truancy and poor attendance are problems that touch school districts and communities nationwide. The Boards of Education involved with the TRPP make efforts to refer students as soon as possible.

    5. What is truancy? Continued Truancy is a leading indicator of future delinquent behavior. The Truancy Reduction Pilot Program is a proactive approach designed to address the causes of truancy and improve the students attendance, achievement and attachment to school. It is important to remember that the TRPP is designed to be a proactive intervention rather than a punitive reaction.

    6. Truancy Reduction Pilot Program Progress The TRPP continues to grow. To date, 229 petitions have been filed. Currently all counties in the First Judicial Circuit: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties have established a truancy docket. Uniform Orders, releases and Conditions of Participation have been created. Community partnerships have been developed in each county to ensure service delivery to students and their families.

    7. Progress Continued There has been increased interest in the process. There have been many visitors to the program in the past year. An advisory committee has been developed in each county to address program needs specific to the respective Courts.

    8. Case Referral

    9. Case Closure Reasons

    10. Truancy Reduction Pilot Program The Process

    11. The Board of Education Petitions The Boards of Education file petitions only after school interventions have been exhausted. Such interventions include, but are not limited to: Phone calls to parents/guardians Letters to parents/guardians Student conferences Parent conferences Home visits Referral to school based teams designated to address attendance issues and development of individual plans Referrals to local agencies

    12. Types of TRPP Hearings Adjudication Disposition Review

    13. Adjudication and Disposition Hearings Under current legislation, the Adjudication and Disposition Hearings can be held on same day. If a child is found to be truant, the Judge or Master is able to individualize Court guidance and supervision, as well as services ordered.

    14. Disposition Alternatives The Masters are able to tailor the Order to the individual student, situation and educational needs. The student and family have the opportunity to meet with the program coordinator, following the hearing, to review the process and address any questions or concerns.

    15. Disposition Alternatives School Based* Attend school After school program Suspension alternatives Educational Testing IEP evaluation and review Career projects Make up work Summer school Tutoring *The Board of Education is often Ordered to assist the student or family with the implementation of these services.

    16. Disposition Alternatives Community Based Community service Apology letters Curfew Community Programs Incentives Mentors

    17. Disposition Alternatives Medical and Mental Health Full Family Assessment Individual Counseling Family Counseling Anger Management Substance Abuse Evaluation Substance Abuse Treatment Equine Therapy Medical and Dental Evaluations Medication Evaluation

    18. Review Hearings Review Hearings are held regularly. Thereafter, the frequency of the Review Hearings is based on the students progress and willingness to comply with the Courts requirements. The Court uses a mixture of positive reinforcements and negative consequences to gain compliance.

    19. Completing the TRPP Successful Completion: The student has been compliant with the Courts Orders. The student has shown an improved pattern of attendance. The benchmark for attendance is 90 days with no unexcused absences. The Master considers the students unique situation, strengths and challenges to determine if the Courts supervision continues to be necessary.

    20. Completing the TRPP Unsuccessful Completion: The student consistently fails to comply with the Courts Order. Excessive unexcused absences continue. There is a lack of amenability to services. There is a motion by the Board of Education to close the case.

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