what is truancy court

Truancy court is a court that deals with cases of truancy, which is the unauthorized absence from compulsory education. In Florida, truancy is defined as a juvenile offense that can be charged to anyone under the age of 16 who fails to attend school on a regular basis. When a student starts to compile unexcused absences, specific procedures must be followed, including interventions such as referral to social service agencies, attendance contracts with the student and parents, and evaluation for alternative education programs. If these measures dont work, the school may file a truancy petition in juvenile court. The court may order the student to pay a penalty or do certain things, such as attend additional school, undergo drug screening, attend counseling sessions, or be placed in juvenile detention. Parents of truant students may also face criminal sanctions, including imprisonment up to 60 days and a fine up to $500, if they refuse or fail to have a minor student who is under their control attend school regularly or comply with the requirements established by the school district. If parents fail to obey court orders regarding truancy or do not fulfill the courts orders, they may be charged with contempt of court.