Truancy Diversion Program

Understanding Truancy
Truancy is a complex community problem and is considered a “gateway crime,” as youth involved in the juvenile court system generally are truant youths. Truancy is directly correlated with socio-economic problems related to ethnicity and poverty.

What is the Truancy Diversion Program?
The Truancy Diversion Program [TDP] is offered by the Eighth Judicial District Court to reduce absenteeism in Clark County schools in an effort to reduce the number of youth entering the formal juvenile justice system. TDP supports students and their families to address students’ school attendance, behavior and grades.

How does the program work?
When a school signs up for TDP, a volunteer Community Judge, accompanied by a Family Advocate, and each school’s appointed Educational Liaison, meet with students and their families on a WEEKLY basis to address the student’s attendance record, grades and behavioral issues. The team assists students to focus on the importance of school success and achieve their weekly goals of attendance, homework completion and appropriate classroom behavior, while providing positive reinforcement. If needed, family resource centers, shelters, youth services, and/or social service information/referrals are also provided.