Senate committee debates replacing truancy with ‘chronic absenteeism’ model in House Bill 4656; witnesses warn of capacity risks House Bill 4656’s committee substitute would end truancy as a status offense and promote earlier, preventative interventions — including DHS-supported wraparound services triggered at the fifth absence and a 10% instructional-day threshold — but county attendance directors, probation officers and prosecutors warned about lost enforcement tools and strained capacity; the committee reported the bill without recommendation and re-referred it.

West Virginia's Senate Education Committee is redefining truancy, focusing on early interventions instead of punishment, but experts warn of potential risks in capacity and enforcement.

Get the details!

#WV #ChronicAbsenteeism #PreventativeInterventions #CitizenPortal #WestVirginiaEducation