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At a recent visit to Matt Kelly Elementary School for a newspaper article on the Keeping Kids in School truancy diversion program, the community school liaison mentioned that they always need socks and underwear for kids who have “accidents.” That mention prompted a little drive to help restock their emergency supply. Through the generosity of some people at the District Court, on March 20, the woman who is the go-to source for kids needing resources got a special delivery of socks and underwear, plus some extras to be used as rewards for students in the program.
The Keeping Kids in School truancy diversion program involves judges, attorneys, mental health professionals and law enforcement officers who volunteer approximately three hours each week to and hold truancy court sessions at schools, where they meet individually with students and their parents. They review the students’ attendance, school work, and progress to ensure that students have the resources they need to be successful. The TDP judges promote and support academic achievement using a team effort and an individual student success plan. Since 2007, the TDP has expanded from six to 80 schools including elementary, middle schools and high schools. The goal of the Eighth Judicial District Court Family Division is to continue to expand until all Clark County schools have a TDP program.
The volunteer Truancy Diversion Judges are playing an important role in addressing the significant issue of truancy in Clark County. They listen to the kids, hear their issues, encourage and motivate them.
Keeping kids in school is important. Those without a high school diploma face higher prospects of unemployment and the associated negative consequences. This collaborative effort between the CCSD has been structured to prevent and reduce youth crime, re-engage students in learning, and ultimately, reduce potential costs to our welfare and justice systems. It is a non-punitive, incentive-based approach to at-risk school students with truancy problems. A team (judge, family advocate, school personnel) works with the students and their families.
If you are a licensed attorney, mental health professional or law enforcement officer and are interested in volunteering as a TDP judge for this Specialty Court program please call 702-455-1755.
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