18th Judicial District Establishes Truancy Court

In response to a rise in chronic absenteeism among students at Westland's John Glenn High School, the 18th District Court has partnered with Westland's Youth Assistance Program and Wayne-Westland Community Schools to hold informal truancy hearings at the 18th District Court.

Since February, 18th District Court Judges Sandra Ference Cicirelli and Mark A. McConnell preside over truancy hearings with at-risk students, their parents, school officials, and staff of Westland's Youth Assistance Program (YAP). The goal of the Truancy Court is to provide an intervention to inform students and parents of the importance of attending school. The state of Michigan has a compulsory school attendance law anda student is considered truant when they exceed 10 unexcused absences in a school year. The Truancy Court has no legal recourse for a student's lack of attendance in school, but if intervention with the student and their family fails, formal truancy proceedings are filed with the Wayne County Juvenile Court in Detroit.

"The program gives them an opportunity to stay out of going to the actual court system. I tell them that I have no authority to tell them what to do; in my courtroom I have the ability to tell people what to do and have a punishment if they don't do it, but there's a court downtown that can do those things and we're trying to keep them away from that court," says McConnell. "Here, hopefully, it's a different show of authority than what they're used to. Coming to a court might give them more encouragement to get to school more regularly so they don't have to go downtown."

At the informal truancy hearings, the student's record of attendance, academic performance, and any disciplinary history are reviewed. Students are monitored every two months. Staff with Westland's Youth Assistance Program are on hand to provide support services and access to resources to students and their families. Paul Motz, Executive Director of Westland's YAP says attendance problems at the high school level likely began during the pandemic when students were schooled virtually from home, which left a lingering effect on some students and promoted anxiety. "This pandemic has affected kids and their comfort levels and interactions. I think it's something that just kind of crept up on families, and maybe just not being aware that if you have 10 absences you're in violation of state law because you're expected to have your kids in school," he says. "The Truancy Court through the 18th District came about as a way to try to help our kids and our families without being referred to the downtown juvenile court. We wanted to have a chance to remedy the situation right here in the community." Explanations for chronic truancy vary widely and include lack of transportation, homelessness, substance abuse, and untreated mental health issues. With the assistance of Westland's YAP, students can achieve success as they participate in and progress through high school.

McConnell has already had a second meeting with the students he is currently monitoring and says some were surprised to see their grades go up now that they are actively participating in school. He says the intention of the program is a good one and adds, "It's just a way we can utilize our time here to try and give back to the community and the schools and hope that with better school attendance and better grades, in the future, they won't find themselves in front of us for more serious matters."

The Westland Youth Assistance Program is in need of volunteer mentors to provide a listening ear and be a role model for youth enrolled in its programs and services. Mentor training will take place on Monday, May 8, Tuesday, May 9, Monday, May 15 and Tuesday, May 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dinner and refreshments will be provided. If you are interested in being a youth mentor or for more information call 734-467-7904.