Truancy Program
The Truancy Program includes Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment services for youth who are frequently absent or late to school. The goals are to improve school attendance and reduce the risks that contribute to truancy.
Prevention
School personnel identify middle school youth, ages 9-14, who are at-risk for truancy. Counselors use a nationally recognized character development curriculum, Keys To Innervisions. The program:
- Builds decision-making and goal setting skills
- Seeks to change the beliefs and behavior that lead to violence, substance abuse, school failure, social issues and criminal behavior
- Includes role playing, videos and discussion
- Meets weekly for 8 weeks during the school day or after school
- Takes place in the school
Student participation is contingent on parental permission. Youth complete a pre- and post-test. If appropriate, referrals for counseling or other services may be made.
Early Intervention and Treatment
Counseling and case management help youth and their families by getting at the root causes of truancy. Referrals are accepted from visiting teachers and other school personnel, Truancy Court and families concerned about school issues.
Counseling
Counseling is provided for youth and their families in our Wilmington and Newark offices, in homes and in other community locations.
Sessions:
Case Management
Services are offered in homes or our offices to:
- Help meet basic needs such as food or housing
- Teach home management and budgeting
- Establish structure in the home and improve parenting skills
- Link clients to community resources
Academic Support
Volunteer tutors work with individual youth in schools, our offices or mutually agreed upon public sites.
Cost
There is no direct cost to individuals or families due to grants from the government and the United Way of Delaware. Insurance companies may be billed for individual and family counseling sessions.
