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Child supervision

truancy

A truant is a student who stays away from school without permission or an explanation. Truancy laws are designed to encourage school attendance by creating simple court procedures through which children are held accountable for excessive school absences. The courts focus on the best interest of the child when addressing the truant conduct of a child.

Truant conduct is usually prosecuted or addressed as a civil (noncriminal) matter, and the definition and procedures for dealing with truancy are usually located in a state's statutes—often in the family code or education code.

In Nebraska, truancy laws are primarily governed by the Nebraska Revised Statute 79-209, which defines a 'habitual truant' as a student who is absent from school without a recognized excuse for more than twenty school days per year. The law requires school districts to report habitual truants to the county attorney. The county attorney then has the authority to file a petition with the juvenile court. The court proceedings focus on the best interest of the child, aiming to address the underlying issues causing truancy and to ensure the child's return to regular school attendance. The court may order interventions such as educational counseling, community service, or involvement in a truancy diversion program. The goal is to provide support rather than to punish the child, with the understanding that education is critical for a child's development and future opportunities.

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Child supervision

truancy

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Nebraska State Code

Nebraska State Code

Child supervision

truancy

Articles