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 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
  
*If Non attendance continues

The School sends letter # 2

A meeting is requested and the plan is adjusted

As letter  #2 explains, it is an offence for a child to NOT attend school.
The law (Education Act Sections 20,24,29-1989) is explained.

*If Non attendance continues. 

District Truancy Service is contacted and involved

*If after some time the student still refuses to comply the District Truancy Service in consultation with a school they will refer to Rock On. 
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) 

Delivered by Police in uniform and an
informal chat Informal Conference with key people

 *If Non attendance continues

____________________________________________

Currently the rest of this process is covered by the Rock On Coordinator (Youth Aid Police) in consultation with the school and Youth Justice Coordinator.  sd

 ________________________________________________

Letter #3       Letter re FGC (Family Group Conference)

FGC referral immediately completed by school and sent. Assisted by Police and MoE (Ministry of Education) 
FGC convened/held and plan implemented
At the planned FGC 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
Taranaki District Truancy Service's are still using this process to date.

(rock on manual p11 amended sdct&stdts200308)
-