HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8288 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8288
o c`�`°�''�Fo To the Mayor and Members of the City Council November 21, 2000
Subject: Comprehensive Truancy Intervention Program (CTIP)
Most criminal justice experts agree that truancy can lead to victimization, criminal acts,
drug abuse, teen pregnancy, and illiteracy. Recognizing the value an aggressive truancy
program, the Fort Worth Independent School District, the Tarrant County District
Attorney's Office, and the Fort Worth Police Department have engaged in a collaborative
effort called Comprehensive Truancy Intervention Program (CTIP).
The Fort Worth ISD divides its high school pyramids (high school and supporting middle
schools) into three tracks. Truancy is dealt with differently at Track I and 11 schools since
social services are provided on campus to deal with the problem. Track III schools do not
have such on-campus services and thus have a more concentrated truancy focus.
When a student in a FWISD Track III school has two unexcused absences the school
mails the parents a campus-warning letter concerning the truancy. If another absence
occurs, the district attorney mails a letter informing the parent that they must attend a
mandatory Monday-night meeting. The district attorney conducts the meeting and
explains the law pertaining to school attendance. A number of strategies are offered to the
parent including assistance from a variety of social service agencies.
Should a parent not attend the Monday-night meeting or the student continues to be
truant, the parents are sent a letter notifying them of a mandatory Student Absenteeism
Reduction Team (SARI) meeting.
At this point Track III schools are divided into Track III A and B. In addition to receiving
the SART letter in the mail, parents of Track III B schools also receive a home visit by a
uniformed police officer from the Youth Section. During the visit, the officer provides a
CTIP brochure, explains the necessity of meeting attendance and answers the parent's
questions.
Students who continue to be truant are subject to the district attorney filing a Class C
Misdemeanor offense against the parents. Currently, these are heard in the various Justice
of the Peace courts.
While the program has met with success, all agree that it could be even more effective.
The number of Class C truancy cases sent to the JP Courts crowds an already stretched
docket. Additionally, because these cases are heard by a number of JPs, punishment is
inconsistent. To be more effective these cases need to be referred, heard quickly, and
punished consistently. Additionally, avenues to deferred adjudication and community
service need to be explored.
LISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8288
G` T�Nto November 21, 2000
> To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 2 of 2
NXX Subject: Comprehensive Truancy Intervention Program CTIP
re1873 P ve Y
With that in mind, top officials from FWISD and City of Fort Worth met to determine
how the program could be improved. The group learned that the Texas Education Code
allows for truancy cases to be heard by either Justice of the Peace or Municipal Courts.
FWISD proposed that the City of Fort Worth provide a dedicated Municipal Court Judge
who would hear truancy cases only. The school is offering to pay for the judge and
arrange for space for a court at one of the schools. As all parties believe the idea has
merit, it was agreed to research the issue further and aim for a January kickoff if there are
no legitimate barriers to implementation.
The purpose of this I.R. is to let City Council know these discussions are underway. If
we are able to recommend implementing this program we will bring the details forward
first to the City Council Court Committee and then to full Council. If you have any
questions, please contact Assistant City Manager Libby Watson.
ob Terrel
ity Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS