Preface
This Guide is intended to provide a single source of information for professionals involved in the truancy intervention process, including school officials, DJJ staff, solicitors, attorneys, and family court judges.
The Guide is divided into seven parts:
- Section 1 includes the legal requirements for school attendance and the definition of truancy.
- Section 2 identifies the laws and regulations that govern truancy in South Carolina.
- Section 3 explains educational neglect, which is an issue that needs to be understood by anyone dealing with a truant child.
- Section 4 provides an overview of the truancy intervention process, which includes descriptions of what parents, school officials, and juvenile justice professionals are required by law and encouraged as a matter of good practice to do in the intervention process. The purpose of this overview is to give the various professionals involved in the intervention process a clear understanding of what is expected of everyone and what their particular role is in relation to the overall process.
- Section 5 addresses truancy intervention at the school level, focusing on the school’s role in addressing the truant behavior and working with the parents to improve the child’s attendance. One part addresses underlying causes of truant behavior and another provides guidance for developing and implementing an effective intervention plan.
- Section 6 focuses on what happens if the intervention process at the school level is unsuccessful and, as a last resort, the child is referred to family court.
- Section 7 provides useful resources for parents and professionals.
Throughout this Guide, unless indicated otherwise, the term “parent” means biological parent, adoptive parent, step-parent, person with legal custody, or guardian. “Guardian” is defined by statute as “a person who legally has the care and management of a child.”
Citations to South Carolina statutes used throughout this guide are formatted as concisely as possible, and therefore, are not necessarily appropriate for formal citations in pleadings and papers filed with the family court. South Carolina statutes are cited as § __-__-__ (e.g., § 63-3-651 instead of S.C. Code Ann. § 63-3-651 (2010)).
The materials contained in this guide are as complete and current as possible, but laws and policies are subject to change at any time without notice. While every attempt had been made to ensure accuracy, errors are inevitable. If you have any questions concerning information contained in the Truancy Guide, or to report errors or suggestions for future updates, please contact the Children’s Law Center, USC School of Law at 803-777-1646.
Blanche Quinn Richey
Resource Attorney
Children’s Law Center
University of South Carolina School of Law