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Skipping school, cutting, ditching, or as it is officially known – truancy, is a gateway to dropping out of school and criminal activity. The Truancy Diversion Program’s (TDP) gets kids in school and on track to graduate, so they can move on to achieve career success. Volunteers are the heart of this amazing program that motivates kids who may not otherwise have anyone else who can help them. The program needs 20 volunteers with experience in either a legal profession, law enforcement, social services or education to serve as Truancy Diversion judges to do sessions in CCSD and Charter schools to motivate students to attend class and complete assignments. 

A TDP judge is asked to commit one morning each week to preside over a truancy calendar at an assigned school.  Wearing a judicial robe, the TDP judge, an educational liaison and a family advocate meet with students and their families if possible to address each student’s attendance record, behavioral issues and barriers to regular school attendance.

The TDP judge imparts formality to the proceedings while also providing students with an approachable authority figure who helps to motivate them. The interaction between the TDP judge and family provides participants with enhanced social skills, a sense of empowerment, and an increased appreciation for the value of education.

A training session planned for August, will give volunteers the tips and tools they need to motivate students to achieve. TDP volunteers must be at least 21 and able to pass a background check. The total time commitment is 2.5 hours per week for the duration of the school year.

If you have additional questions or are ready to get involved, please contact the Truancy Diversion Program through email TDP@clarkcountycourts.us or call 702-455-1755.

Volunteering for the Truancy Diversion Program, administered by the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada, is a rewarding way to pay it forward and make our community stronger through bettering our youth.

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