User:FGCUStudent/TRUANCY COURT, NAPLES FL

The first Truancy Court in Collier County history occurred on 2/5/2008. The goal of Truancy Court according to the Sherrif's Office is to reduce truancy in Collier County. Truancy Court is a collaboration between the Collier County Public School District and local community services which include the Collier County Sherrif's Office, the State's Attorney Office, the 20th Judicial Circuit, David Lawrence Center, Lutheran Services, Department of Children and Families, Project Help, Children's Advocacy Center, and Florida Gulf Coast University. The Sherrif's Office reports that truancy is a early sign of problems that the juvenile or family may be experiencing in their personal lives. Some issues that may be occurring are academic problems, drug abuse, domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, gang involvement, mental health issues and low self-esteem.

The Collier County Press Release reported that he first Truancy Court session was at 3 p.m. Wednesday, 2/5/2008 and in the courtroom of Circuit Judge Daniel Monaco. Judge Monaco heard 16 cases that involved students that were "habitual truants" which is defined as those who have missed five of the last 30 days of school, or 15 of 90 of the last days without an excused absence. After the judge hears the cases then the options for services are utilized with local agencies. There may be court ordered assessments which may recommend therapy, parenting classes, and or prevention classes. Lastly, each case will be reviewed to determine if sanctions have been successfully completed. Page text.

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