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Truancy Diversion Program To Kickoff September 16 For New School Year To Keep Students In School And On Track for Success
The Family Court Truancy Diversion Project (TDP) is holding their new school year kickoff on September 16 at 12:15 p.m. at Family Court, 601 N. Pecos in Courtroom 9. The program is offering great opportunity for attorneys and law clerks to make a difference in the community by serving as judges for the Truancy Court Diversion Project (TDP). This early intervention program is aimed at keeping truant students in school and on the path to success.
Truant youth are more likely to drop out of school. In Clark County around 60,000 children are truant during the school year. Nevada’s dropout rate is reported to be the highest in the nation. Everyday in Family Court, judges see first-hand the fallout from truancy and its negative consequences. Teen pregnancy, high unemployment and the likelihood of falling into the criminal justice system are all linked to truancy and school dropout.
The goal of the TDP is to reduce the number of students entering the formal juvenile justice system as a result of skipping school. Truancy is often a symptom of greater need within the family. The truancy program strategy includes identifying and addressing a variety of family issues including substance abuse or lack of basic necessities such as food, clothing, and housing. The program also promotes improvement in academic achievement and attempts to reduce student behavioral problems.
“The Truancy Diversion Program doesn’t just benefit these students but it benefits our community as a whole. Higher graduation rates lead to a stronger more employable community,” said District Court Judge Jennifer Elliott. “Volunteering to serve as a judge in the Truancy Court Diversion Project is worthwhile work. Our young students gain so much from the guidance provided by the volunteers in this program.”
The TDP judges wear robes and preside during the diversion program on school property. Sessions usually begin at about 7:30 a.m. once a week for two to three hours. The judge meets with the student, family and advocates to address issues, monitor progress, make recommendations and reward positive behavior.
Attorneys or law clerks interested in volunteering should contact Debbie Rose at 455-1755 or e-mail rosed@clarkcountycourts.us. For more information about the Truancy Court Diversion Project visit http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/ejdc/programs-and-services/TDP/index.html for more information about the courts please visit our website at http://www.clarkcountycourts.us.
The Truancy Diversion Program demonstrates how the Eighth Judicial District Court is working to strengthen the community. District Court continuously works to develop innovative ideas, improve efficiencies, address issues and improve access to justice. For more information about the courts, please visit our website at clarkcountycourts.us.
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