How We Can Help > Family Matters > Truancy
Truancy
Assuring School Attendance Program
Finding Solutions for Truancy
Overview – This is a unique program focused on understanding the causes of truancy and educating youth and families on the long term consequences. This program works with participating courts and school districts to find solutions for truancy problems beyond the traditional fines. There are multiple diversionary options for the court or school district to recommend. Families are provided with opportunities to complete screenings and/or a truancy education class on-line. Additionally, family members may participate, either voluntarily or by court order, in an educational class, a curriculum based parenting group or individual/family therapy, dependent upon the needs of the family.
Who’s eligible? – Youth and families can receive services in a variety of ways. Many families are referred by courts as a result of truancy filings. Also, school districts can recommend, or parents can request, access to online services and participation in the AIM class instead of cases being sent to court. Contact Richard Williamson at Lena Pope Home for further information (see below for contact information).
How long is the program? - The length of the program is dependent upon services needed. The length can vary from a one-time online class, six weeks of group participation or an amount of time agreed upon between the family and counselor for individual or family services. Ultimately, the length of time is determined by the needs of the family and what will assist the student in returning to school.
What does it cost? - The cost of the ASAP program varies according to the referral made. Each program has specific expenditures associated, which are outlined below.
Where is the program held? - Location is dependent upon the program the youth is participating in. Individual and family counseling currently take place at Lena Pope Home. Alternative locations in central Ft. Worth, the Mid-Cities and Arlington are also available subject to the therapist’s schedule. The AIM Class takes places at the TCC Northeast Campus. PLL Classes are help at the Hulen Street location of Lena Pope Home.
What programs are available?
1. Online Class - The online class serves the purpose of educating youth about the harmful effects of truancy. The class also includes a screening tool to assist Lena Pope Home and the referring court in making further recommendations as necessary. Cost for the class is $45.00.
2. Attendance Improvement Motivation (AIM) – This is a one-time, three-hour class for both parents and students that provides education on state truancy laws and motivation to continue education into undergraduate or technical studies programs. Presently, the class is offered one Saturday, monthly, at Tarrant County College’s Northeast Campus. Cost for the class is $60.00. Staff will be available to offer the class weekly if community needs support at least ten pre-paid students per class.
3. Parenting Group- Lena Pope Home offers an open-ended parent group, which is designed to address multiple parenting skills, including discipline, consistency and structure. The group session meets one time a week, and is offered one weeknight and on Saturday morning. Cost is $30.00 per session.
4. Individual/Family Counseling - Lena Pope Home offers counseling services to children, adolescents, adults and families, using the most effective modalities based upon the client’s needs. Clients can be served at three central locations: Arlington, Fort Worth and Hurst, based upon therapist availability. Cost is $85.00 per session, subject to a sliding scale.
5. Attendance Opportunity Program (AOP) – This is a seven-week program that focuses on improving an adolescent’s inappropriate behavior. The program is appropriate for ages 10-17, and the groups meet once a week with both parents and youth. Cost is $1,120 for 10 sessions.
6. Parenting with Love and Limits (PLL) - PLL uses an evidence-based curriculum for ages 10-16. This six to nine-week program uses a structural family therapy approach in a series of educational groups and coaching sessions for both parents and adolescents. Some eligibility requirements must be met in order to participate.
Who do I contact for more information?
Please address any questions about this program to:
Kenny Morgan
817-255-2660
kmorgan@lenapopehome.org
Additional Information:
§ 25.085. Compulsory School Attendance.
(a) A child who is required to attend school under this section shall attend school each school day for the entire period the program of instruction is provided.
(b) Unless specifically exempted by Section 25.086, a child who is at least six years of age, or who is younger than six years of age and has previously been enrolled in first grade, and who has not yet reached the child's 18th birthday shall attend school.
(c) On enrollment in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten, a child shall attend school.
§ 25.094. Failure To Attend School.
a) An individual commits an offense if the individual:
(1) is required to attend school under Section 25.085; and
(2) fails to attend school on 10 or more days or parts of days within a
six-month period in the same school year or three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period.