Truancy Diversion Services

When a student, age 12 - 17 years old, is referred to the Truancy Diversion Program, a Washington County social worker will provide intervention services to help with attendance problems before a child protection referral. This gives the family a chance to make important changes to fix the truancy issue. The social worker will set up a meeting with the school and parents. Together, they will make a plan to address problems that are affecting the child's education.

The meeting will involve key school staff, the truancy social worker, and the county attorney if the student is 16 years old or older. The purpose of the meeting is to talk about the specific reasons for attendance issues and create a support plan to address these problems effectively, without going to court. This level of engagement includes significant interactions, arranging appropriate services, and setting up measures for accountability.

Submit a Referral Form

In order to be accepted, all referrals must be completed in full. Click to complete the Truancy/Educational Neglect Referral Form Opens in new window

Referrals will be accepted until April 19, 2024.

  1. Truancy Diversion Quick Reference Guide

Initial School Efforts to Address Unexcused Absences

  • Phone calls/letters sent to parents/guardians.
  • Schedule meetings with school staff and any other available interventions/engagement efforts.

Additional Unexcused Absences

  • Student is a continuing truant with 3-5 unexcused absences.
  • Schools may submit an AIM referral.

Attendance Intervention Meeting (AIM)

  • Attend an informational group meeting hosted by the Washington County Attorney's Office.

Additional Unexcused Absences

  • Student is a habitual truant with 7-10 unexcused absences.
  • Schools may refer these students to Washington County's Community Services or County Attorney's Office for a truancy diversion meeting.

Truancy Diversion Meeting

  • A Truancy Diversion Meeting is held in lieu of court.
  • Contract established to divert family from court action.
  • Contract includes specific expectations and/or services for the student and parent(s).
  • Contract will be monitored for the school year.

Additional Unexcused Absences

  • Increased supports and interventions used to improve attendance and promote engagement.
  • Social worker and county attorney, in consultation with the school, determine need for court action.

Petition to Juvenile Court

  • Student and parent(s) petitioned to juvenile court.
  • Upon adjudication, court will order services and appropriate accountability measures.
  1. Truancy Diversion Program Overview