What is a Truant?
A child is considered a “habitual truant” if she or he is under the age of 17 years and is absent from attendance at school without lawful excuse for seven school days or for one or more class period on seven school days. Children age 17 will be considered truant if they have not lawfully withdrawn from school with their parents’ permission. [MN Statutes 260C.007, Subd.19.]
A parent or guardian may seek an excused absence from school for his/her child. A school has the right to accept or deny an application for an excused absence.
School Engagement Program
The School Engagement Program (SEP) is a process designed to improve a student’s attendance. By intervening early, the program can make a lasting impact on a student’s academic success as well as their future.
Step One
Initially schools will contact students and their families that have been identified with attendance concerns. In this step the school and family shall discuss other intervention methods.
Step Two
An Assistant County Attorney, a Human Services Social Worker, and school representatives will meet with the parent/guardian(s) and the student with attendance issues at a School Engagement Program (SEP) meeting, to discuss the impact of chronic absenteeism, the necessity of education, and the legal consequences if attendance does not improve. Community based resources will be presented, and referrals can be completed as agreed upon
Step Three
The school will monitor attendance of students in the program. If attendance is still an issue, the student and parent/guardian(s) are invited to participate in a County Attorney Mediation Program (CAMP) conference. The team will create an agreement addressing the causes of the student’s attendance problems and possible solutions.