The Center addresses the critical problem of chronic absenteeism and its impact on academic performance.

The Truancy Prevention program is integrated with our school-based services at Hartford schools, to reduce absences and improve academic performance for middle school youth who are chronically absent (missing 10% or more total school days).

For students whose attendance does not sufficiently improve, the program includes linkage with the Juvenile Review Board (JRB), an alternative to Juvenile Court. A JRB case manager follows a structured process of assessment, recommendation, and response to achieve the best outcome for each referred student. 

Community providers receive specialized CCA legal training on pertinent educational issues, as well as legal consultation with CCA staff.

Systemic Work Helps Students Throughout Connecticut

Individual cases inform the Center’s systemic advocacy. Too many children are arrested at school for behavior that could be handled within the regular disciplinary system to resolve behavioral issues and avoid involvement in the juvenile justice system. It is critically important to raise public awareness about truancy and its root causes. 

Stay in School. It’s a big deal | Video messages from kids who know what they’re talking about, The Village for Families and Children

Publications and Presentations

For more information, contact Martha Stone, JD

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