Category Archives: truancy prevention
June 7, 2022 District Court Truancy Diversion program seeking volunteer professionals to light the way for student success
The pandemic disrupted school attendance habits and the Truancy Diversion Program (TDP) goal is to help get students back on track. Attorneys, mental health professionals, law enforcement officers and other professionals are invited to step up as truancy diversion volunteer judges to bring up graduation rates in Clark County. TDP volunteers are asked to commit one morning each week to preside over a weekly session at an assigned Clark County School District (CCSD) or Charter school. Wearing a judicial robe, the TDP volunteer 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 volunteers along with the educational liaison, also facilitate solutions, and motivate students to attend class and complete assignments.
Those with additional questions or who want to volunteer, can contact the Truancy Diversion Program through email TDP@clarkcountycourts.us or call 702-455-1755.
The program is overseen by District Court Judge Margaret Pickard in collaboration with the CCSD. “Our Truancy Diversion Program volunteers motivate kids who may not otherwise have anyone else in their life to fill that role,” said Judge Pickard. “The volunteer judges have a tremendous positive influence and mentor young people struggling with school attendance towards a brighter future with promise. Having that kind of impact is incredibly rewarding.”
Skipping school, cutting, ditching, or as it is officially known – truancy, is considered by many as a gateway to dropping out of school and criminal activity. The Truancy Diversion Program (TDP) gets kids in school and on track to graduate, so they can take steps to achieve career success.
The TDP, administered by the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada, was established by Judge Gerald Hardcastle in 2002. Volunteering for the Truancy Diversion Program is a rewarding way to make our community stronger through helping our youth achieve the skills they need to have successful careers. The volunteer judge imparts formality to the student meetings while also providing access to an approachable authority figure who helps to solve obstacles and motivate. 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 to give volunteer judges 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 approximately 2.5 hours per week for the duration of the school year.
Tags: Clark County Courts, Clark County Graduation rates, Eighth Judicial District Court, Family Court, family court judges, Judge Margaret Pickard, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas courts, Las Vegas truancy prevention, Margaret Pickard, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Truancy prevention in Clark County, Truancy prevention in Las Vegas
June 16, 2021 Step up to boost graduation rates in our community
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.
Tags: Eighth Judicial District Court, truancy diversion, Truancy Diversion Program Clark County, Truancy Las Vegas, truancy prevention, Truancy Prevention Clark County, Truancy prevention Las Vegas, Truancy Prevention Nevada, truancy reduction, truancyprevention, volunteer for kids, volunteer for kids in Las Vegas, Volunteer in Clark County, Volunteer in Las Vegas, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas, volunteer to help kids
May 23, 2018 Kudos to those in the trenches fighting the battle
There’s a long held belief that showing up is half the battle to achieving success. That belief holds true when it comes to school. A recognition event was held Friday for Truancy Diversion Program volunteers who are in the trenches at schools getting kids to show up. Judge William Voy oversees the program 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. He thanked the volunteers that visit 40 schools as truancy judges. Judge Voy said, “It’s unfortunate that this room not twice as full.” In 2017, the room was twice as full of volunteers visiting 80 schools, thanks to federal grant funding that has since run out. Schools are now required to pay for the cost of the program out of their budgets. The cost is around $4,000 per school. It is money well spent, according to Judge William Voy, who presides over juvenile cases. Judge Voy said, “The need is there. This program works. Sending them to the juvenile justice system doesn’t work.”
Judge William Voy thanks Truancy Diversion Program volunteers
A report released in Dec. 2017 showed improvement in Clark County graduation rates. According to the Clark County School District (CCSD), one of the key programs to combat habitual absenteeism is the Truancy Diversion Program (TDP). The program not only works with students, parents are also brought in to address the student’s school attendance, behavior and grades.
“It does work. We appreciate the volunteer judges, said Dr. Tammy Malich, CCSD Assistant Superintendent. “These kids are our future, they’re our community. These are our kids.”
Dr. Tammy Malich on Truancy Diversion Program
Truancy is considered a crime, but many students who miss school frequently aren’t just goofing off. They miss classes due to life circumstances. Others don’t realize the long-term impact of cutting school. “It all starts with truancy,” said Judge Voy. “Keep kids in school, keep them engaged and we can make a difference.”
Christopher Guy volunteer for Truancy Diversion Program/Keeping Kids In School
A volunteer judge, accompanied by a social worker (family advocate) and an educational liaison, meet with students identified by the school as truant and their parents. During weekly court sessions at the school, the student’s attendance record and behavioral issues are addressed. The TDP judge and staff help students focus on the importance of school success. They set and review goals for attendance, homework completion and appropriate classroom behavior. The program achieves success through this process and positive reinforcement. If needed, family resource centers, shelters, youth services, and/or social service information/referrals are also provided.
The benefits for students are improved school attendance and class participation resulting in better grades needed for graduation. The students are offered support, tutoring/counseling and coached to make and keep goals. Incentives from the program get students excited to achieve and connect with the school community. Families can get counseling referrals for community programs and support services. Parents are offered strategies to facilitate their child’s success. The program is intended to build on and strengthen family support. Schools benefit from the program through more engaged and positive students, improved attendance, improved parental links/communication and better student grades.
Licensed attorneys, mental health professionals or law enforcement officers who are interested in volunteering as a TDP judge should call 702-455-1755.
Sincere thanks go to these volunteers for their commitment to help Keep Kids in School and stay on the path to success. IianAcherman, Detective Bernard Plaskett, Randa Shea, Quintin Davis, Shauna Watson, Amelia Hughes, Christopher Guy, Robin Gonzales, Cory Juelke, Luchana Turner, Joyce Gallina, Douglas Clark, Radha Chanderraj, Mary Perry,Rick Morales, North Las Vegas Justice Court Chief Judge KalaniHoo, Kim Webb, Paul Haire, Jennifer Somma, Kevin Speed, Carlos Morales, Brigid Duffy, Scott Vaughn, Lisa Szyc, Paul Turner, Juliana Berry, Darlene Stein, Lana Croft, Matthew Fox
Christopher Guy volunteer for Truancy Diversion Program/Keeping Kids In School
Tags: Amelia Hughes, Avaunte DuPree, Brigid Duffy, Carlos Morales, Christopher Guy, Clark County Schools, Cory Juelke, Darlene Stein, Detective Bernard Plaskett, Douglas Clark, Dr. Tammy Malich, Iian Acherman, Jennifer Somma, Joyce Gallina, Judge William Voy, Juliana Berry, Keep Kids In School, Kevin Speed, Kim Webb, Lana Croft, Lisa Szyc, Luchana Turner, Margaret Pickard, Mary Perry, Matthew Fox, North Las Vegas Justice Court Chief Judge KalaniHoo, Paul Haire, Paul Turner, Quintin Davis, Radha Chanderraj, Randa Shea, Rick Morales, Robin Gonzales, Scott Vaughn, Shauna Watson, truancy diversion
May 17, 2018 As school year winds down those who motivate students to graduate to be recognized
Chronic absence correlated to high dropout rates has long been an issue in Nevada’s public schools. A recent report shows recent improvement in Clark County graduation rates. According to the Clark County School District (CCSD), one of the key programs to combat habitual absenteeism is the Truancy Diversion Program (TDP). As the school year winds down, it is a perfect time to recognize Truancy Diversion Program volunteers who commit to a school-year of weekly truancy diversion court sessions to keep kids in school and on track to graduate. The volunteer judges/mentors will be recognized on Friday, May 18 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Social Club Ballroom at Main Street Station 200 N. Main Street. The volunteers will be given an award and the opportunity to share their experiences of helping students attain an education. The TDP volunteers see first-hand how keeping a student in school can be the difference between failure and graduation; and between a path of crime and a path of success.
District Court Judge William Voy currently oversee the TDP that was established by Judge Gerald Hardcastle in 2002, and overseen by Judge Jennifer Elliott in collaboration with the Clark County School District (CCSD) for 10 years. “As a judge who hears juvenile cases, I see firsthand the importance of education and graduation. The Truancy Diversion program has proven to be an effective part of the strategy to keep students in school and on track to graduate. The volunteers are key to this much-needed program, and their work has done much to improve the path of many students,” said Judge Voy. “The Truancy Diversion Program not only benefits those students who are struggling to complete their education, but it benefits our community as a whole.”
In the 2016/2017 school-year, the TDP was in more than 80 CCSD elementary, middle schools and high schools. In the 2017/2018 school year, the TDP program plummeted to 40 participating schools, due to the ending of grant for the program from the Office of Juvenile Justice Department of Prevention Keeping Kids in School and Out of Court (OJJDP). Since the grant expired, funding has been an issue, since each school must use school funds to pay for the program.
Those without a high school diploma face higher prospects of unemployment and the associated negative consequences. This collaborative effort between the CCSD has been structured to prevent and reduce youth crime, re-engage students in learning, and ultimately, reduce potential costs to our welfare and justice systems. It is a non-punitive, incentive-based approach to at-risk school students with truancy problems. “Kids who successfully complete school have a much better chance at success in life than those who drop out,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Bryce Duckworth. “Truancy is often the first step off the path to success. The Truancy Diversion Program addresses the issue and keeps students in school and on track to graduate.”
Judges, attorneys, mental health professionals and law enforcement officers volunteer approximately three hours each week to hold truancy court sessions at schools. They promote and support academic achievement using a team effort and an individual student success plan with students and their parents. They review the students’ attendance, school work, and progress to ensure that students have the resources they need to be successful. The goal of the Eighth Judicial District Court Family Division is to continue to expand until all Clark County schools have a TDP program.
Licensed attorneys, mental health professionals or law enforcement officers who are interested in volunteering as a TDP judge for this Specialty Court program should call 702-455-1755. The Family Court youth programs are a great example of how the Eighth Judicial District Court is using alternative, efficient methods to address crime and ensure justice. District Court continuously works to develop innovative ideas, improve efficiency, address issues and improve access to justice
Tags: Courts, Education, Judge Bryce Duckworth, Judge Jennifer Elliott, Judge William Voy, Las Vegas, Las Vegas courts, Truancy, Truancy Las Vegas, truancy prevention
September 14, 2017 School Truancy, dropout and youth crime to be tackled at National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges School-Justice Partnership summit
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) School-Justice Partnership Summit will be held on Sept.15 from 8 a. m. to 3 p.m. at Family Court Campus/Child Haven, 701 North Pecos, Las Vegas, Red Rock Training Room – 701 Building K2. The focus of the Summit will be developing effective methods to reduce school truancy and juvenile delinquency rates in Clark County. Effective programming for schools, school/police diversion programs, positive school climate, restorative practices, early warning systems, trauma informed classrooms and judicially led school justice partnerships will be the priorities of the day.
Truancy and school dropout are viewed as a gateway to crime and a lifetime of challenges. The Clark County School District is the fifth largest school district in the U.S., serving more than 300,000 students at 358 schools. The district reports alarmingly high dropout and teen pregnancy rates. “Everyday we see teens in court who started out skipping school and progressively go down the path to serious crime,” said Juvenile Court Judge William Voy. “This summit is a way to discuss best-practices that work to address the growing crisis of pathways to criminal activity with our community youth.”
Those who have been working this issue in the trenches will share their knowledge including: Judge Steven Teske, Clayton County, Georgia will present proven strategies used in Georgia to reduce truancy rates and the impact on referrals to the juvenile justice system including: Kevin Bethel, Retired Deputy Police Commissioner, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, currently of Center for Children’s Law and Policy; Theresa Bohannan, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and Kori Hamilton, Educational Specialist, National School Climate Center.
A panel discussion of Las Vegas leaders will discuss the efforts of community agencies to reduce truancy rates and juvenile court referrals with community leaders including: District Court Judge William Voy; Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson; Dr. Tammy Malich, Asst. Superintendent CCSD; Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick and Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani.
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges is the nation’s oldest judicial membership organization and focused on improving the effectiveness of our nation’s juvenile and family courts. A leader in continuing education opportunities, research, and policy development in the field of juvenile and family justice, the 2,000-member organization is unique in providing practice-based resources to jurisdictions and communities nationwide.
Tags: Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson; Dr. Tammy Malich, Asst. Superintendent CCSD; Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick and Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani, Eighth Judicial District Court, Family Court, Judge Steven Teske, Judge William Voy, Kevin Bethel, Kori Hamilton, Theresa Bohannan, truancy prevention
June 14, 2017 Huge sparkling diamonds presented to those who help kids shine
Huge sparkling diamonds and words of praise were given to Truancy Diversion Program (TDP) volunteers who visit schools and motivate kids to get in the classroom, on track to graduate and on the path to success in life. The diamonds weren’t real, they were awards, but they conveyed the immense appreciation for the volunteers; many of whom got up and expressed tremendous pride for the program that is changing young lives for the better.
The volunteers, who are judges, attorneys, mental health professionals and law enforcement officers, spend approximately three hours each week to hold truancy court at schools, where they meet individually with students and their parents. They get to the heart of why the students are struggling and clear a path to help them get to school and make the grade. The volunteers know they are making a difference through motivation; they know they are getting through to the kids on the importance of their education.
Volunteers review the students’ attendance, school work, and progress to ensure that students have the resources they need to be successful. The TDP judges promote and support academic achievement using a team effort and an individual student success plan. Since 2007, the TDP has expanded from six to 80 schools including elementary, middle schools and high schools. The goal of the Eighth Judicial District Court Family Division is to continue to expand until all Clark County schools have a TDP program.
The TDP was established by Judge Gerald Hardcastle in 2002. Since 2007, the program has been overseen by District Court Judge Jennifer Elliott in collaboration with the Clark County School District. Those without a high school diploma face higher prospects of unemployment and the associated negative consequences. This collaborative effort between the CCSD has been structured to prevent and reduce youth crime, re-engage students in learning, and ultimately, reduce potential costs to our welfare and justice systems. It is a non-punitive, incentive-based approach to at-risk school students with truancy problems. A team (judge, family advocate, school personnel) works with the students and their families.
Licensed attorneys, mental health professionals or law enforcement officers interested in volunteering as a TDP judge can call 702-455-1755.
Tags: Avaunte DuPree, CCSD, Clark County School District, Judge Jennifer Elliot, Margaret Pickard, Truancy Diversion Program Clark County, truancy prevention
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