What is Education Court?
Education court is for children from Kindergarten to Sixth grade with excessive absences which has negatively impacted their academic performance. This program is designed to be a diversion program to assist families and hold them accountable for the child's attendance. We use a strength-based process that involves many community partners including school districts, Children's Division, School Resources Officers, and community health/mental health providers.
How does a family get referred to Education Court?
Education Court referrals come from many different sources, including the school district, School Resource Officers, and Children's Division. After a student is identified a written report or referral is sent to the Johnson County Juvenile office where it is reviewed by an attorney for legal sufficiency.
*Attendance policies can vary depending on the school district in which your child may attend. Please contact your school for specifics on the attendance policy.
What to expect?
Once a referral has been received and reviewed, you will receive communication from a Deputy Juvenile Officer. A meeting will be held to discuss the challenges and barriers that may be preventing school attendance. A plan will be developed based on that meeting to help the family with the challenges identified. It is expected that the parent(s) remain accountable and engaged in services. If a family is unwilling to participate in services a petition may be filled with the Johnson County Circuit Court for formal preceding.