School Social Work
Truancy Court Program

 

 

 

Truancy Court is a community collaboration led by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.   The purpose of the program is to eliminate barriers to regular school attendance, provide comprehensive support services to students with excessive absences, and assist families with developing important connections with schools.

The mission of Truancy Court is to improve student attendance in a nurturing manner that builds relationships between students, families, schools and the community.   The program, led by school social workers, offers parents and students the opportunity to examine the root causes of attendance problems and resolve the issues that create barriers to regular school attendance.   Students and parents are invited to participate in a ten week, intensive intervention program with district and superior court judges.   The assigned district or superior court judge, school social worker and other support staff make up the truancy team at each school site and work with students and families to develop a comprehensive plan to address their needs.   The role of the judge is to provide guidance, support and accountability as students and families work to overcome attendance problems.

The Truancy Court program is coordinated by Marina R. Leonidas, Truancy Court Coordinator.   Mrs. Leonidas oversees implementation of the Truancy Court program.  She also provides direction, consultation, training and support to school-based truancy teams, district and superior court judges and community partners.

The objectives of Truancy Court:

  • Decrease unexcused absences;
  • Decrease excessive absences;
  • Decrease excessive tardiness;
  • Link students and families with critical school-based and community resources 
  • Collaborate with parents and families to facilitate parent engagement in their child's educational experience.

 

P.O. Box 30035
Charlotte, NC 28230-0035
Phone: 980-343-3000
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools website (www.cms.k12.nc.us) is in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any website accessibility concerns may be brought via the following, Email the Web Accessibility Team at WebAccessibility or Call: 980.343.0115. In compliance with Federal Law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, may be referred to the District's Title IX Coordinator at titleixcoordinator or to the Office for Civil Rights, United States Department of Education.