:An interesting comment Christine
And thank you for that.
The District Truancy Service's (DTS) work under the Education Act 1989 (Check this website)
Section 20 says that 'ALL NZ citizens must attend school when they are open for education.
All DTS's vary in the way they apply their services depending on their community needs.
The two DTS's I operate (Central Taranaki DTS & South Taranaki DTS) work on referral and are also available
to advise schools, parents/caregivers and community. But most time work purely by referral.
Of course if I am travelling from A to B and notice students NOT attending I will stop and enquire as to what
they are doing out of school. As a 'lone operator' will NOT take back to home or school, though under the
Act I am allowed as is any other Truancy Officer in NZ.
It is sad that you refer Truancy Officer's as 'Truancy Mafia'.
Most DTS's that I am aware of have the students welfare in mind.
In regard to 'their qualifications that would depend on the DTS.
I have a Counselling background and this works well with parents/caregivers student etc.
Like you also, the Truancy Services are somewhat frustrated at NOT all Schools 'buying into' their services.
Truancy is the job of the DTS, Attendance and teaching is the job of the School.
If you have a problem with a particular DTS you should contact their Chairperson and put in a complaint.
Or to the organisation providing the service.
I hope this helps in some way.......... sd
And thank you for that.
The District Truancy Service's (DTS) work under the Education Act 1989 (Check this website)
Section 20 says that 'ALL NZ citizens must attend school when they are open for education.
All DTS's vary in the way they apply their services depending on their community needs.
The two DTS's I operate (Central Taranaki DTS & South Taranaki DTS) work on referral and are also available
to advise schools, parents/caregivers and community. But most time work purely by referral.
Of course if I am travelling from A to B and notice students NOT attending I will stop and enquire as to what
they are doing out of school. As a 'lone operator' will NOT take back to home or school, though under the
Act I am allowed as is any other Truancy Officer in NZ.
It is sad that you refer Truancy Officer's as 'Truancy Mafia'.
Most DTS's that I am aware of have the students welfare in mind.
In regard to 'their qualifications that would depend on the DTS.
I have a Counselling background and this works well with parents/caregivers student etc.
Like you also, the Truancy Services are somewhat frustrated at NOT all Schools 'buying into' their services.
Truancy is the job of the DTS, Attendance and teaching is the job of the School.
If you have a problem with a particular DTS you should contact their Chairperson and put in a complaint.
Or to the organisation providing the service.
I hope this helps in some way.......... sd