It was a sunny Thursday afternoon when Mitch Carroll, a retired cop investigating school truancy, arrived at an apartment building in Madison County, Ind. Dressed casually, Carroll approached a middle-aged woman named Sharon, assuring her that she was not in trouble.
School absenteeism has become a significant issue, with roughly a quarter of U.S. students being chronically absent during the 2022-23 school year. This trend can impact a student’s academic performance and increase the likelihood of dropping out of high school. Truancy, the act of missing school without a valid excuse, is a concern for many states, leading to various consequences for families, including court oversight, fees, and home visits by officers like Carroll.
Carroll’s approach to visiting families is friendly and non-alarming, aiming to build relationships to ensure students receive an education. During his visits, Carroll encountered various reasons for truancy, such as anxiety and health issues. While some families opt for homeschooling as an alternative, others struggle to address the underlying causes of absenteeism.
Despite efforts to address truancy through court interventions, research on the effectiveness of such programs remains limited. Clea McNeely’s study in Ramsey County, Minn., revealed mixed results, with some students missing more school than those without court interventions. The cost of court-based programs has raised concerns, with alternative models like home visits showing promising outcomes in improving attendance.
In Madison County, Ind., over 600 students and guardians were referred to the prosecutor’s office for truancy violations, resulting in warning letters and charges for non-compliance with school attendance laws. While researchers question the justice system’s role in addressing truancy, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Hanna emphasizes the importance of enforcing attendance laws to ensure children receive an education.
Carroll’s visits to families shed light on the complex reasons for truancy, including health issues, bullying, and family circumstances. Despite challenges, Carroll remains optimistic about his efforts and continues to engage with families to encourage school attendance. Each visit provides insights into the unique struggles families face in ensuring their children attend school regularly.
As Carroll wraps up his visits for the day, he reflects on the impact of his work and the ongoing challenges of addressing truancy. While the road ahead may not be easy, Carroll’s dedication to supporting families and students in overcoming barriers to education remains unwavering. Through collaboration with schools and community resources, efforts to reduce truancy and improve student attendance continue, one visit at a time.
