All youth between the ages of 8 and 18 are required to attend school every day by Washington State Law. When these youth fail to attend their assigned school, they are considered truant (students failing to attend school). The Juvenile Court supports efforts by the school districts in Cowlitz County to aid in combating truancy.
Washington State law, RCW 28A.225.030, sometimes referred to as the BECCA Bill, requires that school districts file truancy petitions with the Juvenile Court when students (up to the age of 17) have accumulated seven unexcused absences in one month or ten unexcused absences in an academic year.
Juvenile probation staff is NOT involved in these court proceedings. School district personnel, the Prosecutor's Office and the Juvenile Court Clerk handle these cases.
The program is in a rather constant state of flux as the community attempts to find an effective way to work with youth and families to improve their attendance.
For further information, please contact your child's school administration.
- Longview School District
- Kelso School District
- Woodland School District
- Castle Rock School District
- Toutle Lake School District
- Kalama School District
