{"id":1281,"date":"2021-09-17T19:38:35","date_gmt":"2021-09-17T19:38:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.ubalt.edu\/cfcc\/?p=1281"},"modified":"2021-11-17T19:39:03","modified_gmt":"2021-11-17T19:39:03","slug":"cfccs-truancy-court-program-returns-to-in-person-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ubalt.edu\/cfcc\/2021\/09\/17\/cfccs-truancy-court-program-returns-to-in-person-program\/","title":{"rendered":"CFCC\u2019s Truancy Court Program Returns to In-Person Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

With COVID-19 safety protocols in place, CFCC’s Truancy Court \"\"Program (TCP) Team returned to Baltimore City Public Schools this year, continuing our work to get school attendance back on track after a long period of virtual learning.<\/p>\n

The TCP is operating in five Baltimore City schools this fall:\u00a0Furley Elementary School, Mt. Royal Elementary\/Middle School, Baltimore Design School (Middle\/High School), Franklin Square Elementary\/Middle School, and The Belair-Edison Middle School. We are already off to a productive and successful school year.<\/p>\n

During the COVID- 19 pandemic, the TCP team had to be creative and flexible as they worked with students virtually. There were some advantages to the virtual format for TCP. Because they were at home, TCP students were able to show the TCP Team personal items important to them and parents often were able to participate fully in the TCP sessions from home or work.<\/p>\n

Now that the TCP is operating in person again, students can meet together in one large room for a restorative circle with the TCP Mentor and staff. TCP students leave the circle to meet individually with the TCP Judge, the TCP Coordinator and school personnel.<\/p>\n

As an in school, non-punitive, voluntary program the TCP reduces truancy by identifying and addressing the root cause of each child’s absences and by reconnecting students and their families with their schools. The TCP employs a holistic approach that includes mentoring, consistent follow-up, social services and legal guidance and the powerful presence of a judge who volunteers at the school to lead the effort.<\/p>\n

TCP staff focus on providing support and referrals for students\u2019 basic needs. They also continue to advocate\u00a0as\u00a0necessary to ensure consistent access to education and protection of legal rights for students.\u00a0Families and students participating in the TCP receive:<\/p>\n