Truancy Intervention Program

The Minnesota law states that: 

Every child between the ages of 7 and 17 must attend school unless he/she has graduated (MN Stat. 120A22, subd.5)  

A student who is 17 must attend school unless the student is formally withdrawn from school by their parent or legal guardian (MN. Stat. 120A22, sub.8).  

A child between the ages of 7 and 17 is considered truant if he or she is absent without an acceptable excuse for three or more days/class periods. Parents are encouraged to talk with their schools directly, review their school handbooks and policies, and ask questions regarding the specific school's attendance policy. (MN. Stat. 120A22, sub.8) 

Some common acceptable excused absences include:  

• Sickness 
• Doctor's visit - verification may be required 
• Religious holiday  
• Cultural events  
• Extreme family emergency  

Some common unacceptable absences include:  

• Student missed the bus  
• Student/family overslept  
• Babysitting siblings/other family members  
• Work or rest because of work  
• Travel (unless pre-approved by the school)  
• Student is needed to be at home  
• Cold weather – situation depending  

Step One: The school notifies the parent or guardian of the number of unexcused absences the student has.  

Step Two: If there continues to be concerns of the students attendance, the school schedules a student attendance support meeting and informs Beltrami Count  of the meeting to attend.  Parents/guardians and student must attend this meeting where a support plan will be developed.  

Step Three: If there continues to be concerns of the students attendance, the school will send a referral to Beltrami County for an assessment with the family.  The agency may open an assessment following a screening team decision.  

Step Four: If there continues to concerns of the students attendance, Beltrami County may file a CHIPS (Child in Need of Protection or Services) petition.  The Courts may find the child in need of services and then monitor attendance, concerns, and court order specific services.  

If a child continues to be truant there are the following possible consequences:  

• Court CHIPS petition and Court involvement  
• Court ordered services  
• Random drug testing  
• Loss of phone or technology privileges  
• The parent/guardian may be ordered services  

If the truancy team screens in a referral for your student, you can expect the following: 

• The case manager completing weekly attendance checks 
• Attendance support meetings with the school, case manager, and others as necessary 
• Regular visits with the case manager 
• Referrals or information on community resources as needed 
• Creating and agreeing to a case plan 

Additional documents: 

23 24 Truancy Guide

23 24 Truancy Referral