Truancy Court Expansion Program

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The University of Baltimore School of Law Center for Families, Children and Courts (CFCC) will establish the Courts Truancy Court Program (TCP), an evidence-based, comprehensive, and collaborative initiative to increase student attendance and reduce truancy. CFCC will develop and implement the TCP in the counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties and in Baltimore City. The goal of the two-year program is to reduce truancy by reconnecting students and their families with the school using a therapeutic, non-adversarial, holistic model that builds connections among schools, parents/caregivers, students, a compassionate judge, and mentors. Through a series of stakeholder and participant meetings, CFCC plans to foster the collaboration and support of the judicial community, services providers, the school systems, and other interested parties for the TCP. CFCC will administer and oversee the program and the TCP will collect and analyze data regarding the improvement in attendance by participating students.

NCA/NCF