District court judges conducting high school truancy hearings
Students at John Glenn High School in Westland can go to class or go to court.
Judges at the 18th District Court have partnered with the Westland Youth Assistance Program and the Wayne Westland Community Schools district to combat the rise in chronic absenteeism among high school students.
Explanations for chronic absenteeism vary widely and include such issues as lack of transportation, homelessness, substance abuse, untreated mental health issues, and lack of medical insurance. Addressing these issues early helps students achieve better success as they progress through high school, a court spokesman said.
Judges Sandra Ference Cicirelli and Mark A. McConnell preside over these intervention hearings with at risk students, their parents, school officials and staff of the Westland Youth Assistance Program. At these hearings, the student's record of attendance and academic performance are reviewed as well as any disciplinary history. The youth assistance program is utilized to provide support services for the students and families.The goal of Truancy Court is to agree on an intervention plan to improve school attendance and hopefully academic achievement, a court representative noted. During this informal hearing, a partnership is formed between the parents, students, school officials, Westland Youth Assistance staff, and the judges. Often, students are empowered by this process because they play an active role in identifying solutions with school personnel. Cases are generally monitored every two months.
“This collaboration creates an atmosphere in which parents get support and students get to school. It is hoped that this will reduce truancy, while avoiding formal court involvement. If this intervention fails, formal truancy proceedings will be filed with the Wayne County Juvenile Court,” according to a court spokesman.
