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New Truancy Reduction Pilot Program begins in Wicomico County
 
(Salisbury, MD— January 11, 2005)  The Maryland Judiciary launched a Truancy Reduction Pilot Program yesterday in Wicomico County, offering a new court-based approach to the problem of truancy in schools across the state.

The pilot program was authorized under House Bill 1443, currently in Chapter 551, passed by the State Legislature during the 2004 legislative session. In the program, civil petitions are filed against children who fail to attend school, while criminal misdemeanors are filed against their parents.


“The goal is to be more proactive and to get involved with some of these young people who may be truant, whether as a result of their own actions or through inaction by their parents,” said Judge Daniel M. Long, administrative judge for the First Judicial Circuit, serving Somerset, Dorchester, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.

The program will connect truant children and their families with available family support services, and bring them back into the courtroom twice a month to monitor their progress.

In the past, truancy charges against parents have been handled in the District Court. Under the Truancy Reduction Pilot Program, truancy cases are handled in the circuit court where the parents of younger children can face a criminal charge, and older children can face a newly created civil charge. In these situations, the court can work with the whole family to try to resolve problems.

“We’re trying to take a broader approach to truancy issues,” said Wicomico Circuit Court Administrative Judge Donald C. Davis. “Hopefully there will be some synergy in getting to the root causes.”

Under the pilot program, the court may order the child to attend school, perform community service, attend individual or family counseling, participate in substance abuse evaluations and treatment, undergo a mental health evaluation, or keep a curfew.

“The idea is that truancy may be a symptom of domestic violence or drug abuse or mental health issues,” said Master Bruce Wade, who heard the first two truancy cases yesterday at the Wicomico County Courthouse in Salisbury.    

Dr. Charlene C. Boston, superintendent of schools in Wicomico County, and Del. Norman Conway were instrumental in the development of the pilot program.

The program is modeled after a statewide program in Delaware, which is adjacent to Wicomico County. Similar truancy pilot programs are also planned for Dorchester, Somerset, and Worcester counties when funding is available.

Although other programs addressing truancy have been developed – including a school-based program in Baltimore City – the Wicomico pilot is court-based, involving charges against both parents and children. At the end of one year, both programs will be evaluated, said Pamela Cardullo Ortiz, executive director of Family Administration.

“We hope to evaluate these side-by-side and see how they compare,” Ortiz said. “Both represent ways the courts can address family needs and help kids stay on track.”
 

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