HD99 - Progress Status Report: Truancy Reducton and Prevention Program


Executive Summary:
Overview:

Richmond's "Truancy Reduction and Prevention Program" (TRAPP) has two primary components to the initiative's overall strategy. The first component focuses on a targeted intensive neighborhood approach while the second component involves a citywide presence in conducting truancy sweeps, assessment, and service linkages for truants and their families. The truancy initiative includes, but is not limited to, individual and family assessments, academic support, parent education, youth employment, family counseling and support, drug prevention initiatives, and intensive, aggressive case management.

Understanding the need for addressing those underlying factors related to the unacceptable truancy rates, the City of Richmond has set an overall goal that will positively impact the issues at hand.

The goal of TRAPP is to implement a comprehensive plan which:

• holds parents and students accountable
• changes the culture of schools from passive acceptance to high expectations
• empowers citizens and businesses to take action against truants
• assesses and prioritizes the community's risk factors associated with truancy and delinquent behavior
• develops successful strategies that will reduce and prevent truancy

[See also House Document No. 48 (2005) -- Plan of Truancy Prevention and Reduction for the Pilot Program in the City of Richmond]