A brief overview of NON attendance leading to Rock On
The School Process
A student is showing truanting behavior
Non-attendance. Unexplained absence from school. Non-engagement in education
The school will phone or TXT the caregiver in the first instance
The School sends letter #1
Explaining the situation to the parent/caregiver, requesting
communication and a visit to the school to discuss the matter.
Caregiver meets with school and discusses the situation.
A plan is put into action
The CTDTS advises that a student showing below 85% (Senior School) or 90% (Junior School) is at risk and that this lack of education will impact on the future of the child.
The letter process leading to investigation must start at this time
If Non attendance continues
The School sends letter # 2
A meeting is requested and the plan is adjusted
letter#2 explains that it is an offence for a child to NOT attend school.
The law (Education Act Sections 20,24,29-1989) is explained.
The CTDTS has an agreement with key schools that a copy of letter #2 is sent to this Service as a referral.
The CTDTS will start investigating the reasons behind the Truancy.
By this time the Caregiver and Student are well aware of the process's leading to involvement of a Truancy Service.
If Non attendance continues.
The Central Taranaki District Truancy Service is contacted and involved
If after a selected time the student still refuses to comply the Central Taranaki District Truancy Service in consultation with a school will refer to Rock On. (We have developed R/O South & R/O Central)
This will instigate a Family Group Conference (FGC) through the Youth Justice Department as the Caregiver appears to have 'lost control' of the child.
The Law is being breached, becoming a 'Care & Protection' issue.
Schools MUST 'buy in' to this process for this to work.
Rock On letter (Police)
This letter is delivered by a Police Constable in uniform.
The Officer will explain the process to the caregiver in detail.
It is important here that the process prior is the same and that no mixed messages are being given.
The CTDTS will always make caregivers aware of the 'legal process' and explain that a call to a Truancy Service is the first part of a 'legal process'.
The CTDTS will network to 'other Services' where applicable, especially is the family/whanau is in need of support.
If Non attendance continues
The rest of this process is covered by the Rock On Coordinator (Youth Aid Police) and the CTDTS, in consultation with the School and the Youth Justice Coordinator.
Letter #3
FGC (Family Group Conference)
A referral is immediately completed by a school and sent.
Assisted by Police and MoE (Ministry of Education)
FGC convened/held and a plan implemented
A review date is confirmed.
The RO group reviews/discusses plan.
If the students attendance is adequate.
(MoE-92% attendance required) the plan is successful.
If the plan has failed letter #4 is implemented.
If Non attendance continues
Letter #4
Letter sent by school advising court action
Prosecution by Police on behalf of school
The Central (& South) Taranaki District Truancy Service's are still using this process to date.
(rock on manual p11: Amended sd-ctdts & stdts 200308)