Hi folks! Here is some of what we saw in the news during the last few weeks. To get more regular news updates follow us on twitter: @SOreformcenter
Truancy, Absenteeism a Chronic Problem in D.C. Schools; The Washington Post
Last school year, about 15,000 D.C. Public Schools students — 32 percent of all students in pre-kindergarten through high school — missed more than 10 days of classes without a valid excuse. Learn more about the city’s struggle with this complex issue, and some possible solutions that are being considered.
Five Ways to Stop Criminalizing Victimized Girls; Women’s E-News
Jeannette Pai-Espinosa, President of The National Crittenton Foundation, highlights the needs of girls caught in the status offense system, and the steps that need to be taken to prevent criminalizing them for coping behaviors like running away.
Nebraska Lawmakers Loosen State’s Truancy Law; Omaha.com
Nebraska’s Senate approves LB 464 that would require school officials to work with parents and children to address truant behavior before referring a child to the county attorney’s office.
LGBTQ Youths Detained for Status Offenses Twice as Often as Others; JJIE
This article highlights that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are twice as likely as other youth to be detained in a juvenile detention facility for status offenses. These youth are also at a higher risk of harassment and physical abuse, and a large number of them run away from hostile homes and schools. The article draws attention to the existing gaps in services for this population and the importance of engaging families for positive outcomes.
Reforms Take Aim at Kentucky Youth Incarceration; The Courier Journal
New legislation in Kentucky will mean that most young people committing status offenses will be diverted from court. While formal court processing might still be an option in the most extreme cases, court designated workers and local response teams will be charged with finding community based services for these youth first.
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