Wayne County Truancy Diversion Program Terri Lynn Queen, Director of Attendance Marsha McCallister, School Based Probation Officer Lora Stevens, Social Worker for WCS

At the School… A letter is mailed from the school at 3 unexcused absences A conference is held with the principal, student and parent at 5 unexcused absences A referral is made to the Attendance Director after the conference with parent & principal The Attendance Director, School-Based Probation Officer, and/or Social Worker meet with the student after 6 or more unexcused days During the meeting, the AD, SBPO, or SW try to determine if the student could benefit from any services from the School, DHHR, Probation, or Prestera Mental Health After the meeting, a letter is mailed home advising the parent that the AD, SBPO, or SW met with their child and a copy of days absent is provided. If the student is absent, on the day of the meeting, a letter is mailed home to advise the parents of the missed meeting.

The Next Level… If the student reaches 10 unexcused days, a CA-2 letter is mailed by the Attendance Director If the student misses 11 or more unexcused days, a pre-petition is filed by the AD to the Prosecutor’s Office. Once the pre-petition is filed a Juvenile Multi- Disciplinary Team (JMDT) meeting is scheduled The JMDT consists of Probation, DHHR, the Attendance Director, School Based Social Worker, Prosecutor, Public Defender and Prestera Mental Health The JMDT reviews each case and discusses the issues at hand. The parents and student are brought in to determine if the family could benefit from services. A diversion case plan is developed and a case review is set. If the family fails to appear, the petition is filed and a court date is set.

The Court Process… If the student continues to miss school, the prepetition is filed with the Court. If the student is adjudicated a risk needs assessment is completed prior to disposition where the student is then placed on probation. The SBPO continues to monitor the students that are on a probationary period. During this time, the student is required to attend school daily, obey all school rules, obey their parents, and refrain from all tobacco, alcohol and drugs. The student is also subject to drug and alcohol screens. If the student violates their probation, a revocation is filed with the Court, and the student can be removed from their home.

2015-2016 School Year 1 Runaway pre-petition 14 Incorrigible pre-petitions 42 Truancy pre-petitions An overall total of 57 pre-petitions have been set before the JMDT committee. This process started in July 2015 to present. 15 of the 57 pre- petition cases have been set before the Circuit Judge. 74 percent of the cases filed have been diverted and have been monitored and maintained through the JMDT committee.

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