If you have a student who is habitually truant (unexcused absences of 10 days or more), you must
address that issue as GAL. Although the adult with whom the student is living is responsible
for the child's attendance, you can also seek assistance from the school. If all hope is lost
and the parent is not acting appropriately, a District Court action can be initiated against the
parent. It is important to explore with the child why he or she is not attending school and
if the issue can be addressed. Is the child depressed and/or angry because of his/her parents'
separation? Are peers harassing the child? Is the child unable to understand the work? Is the
child looking for attention during the time of separation? Is the child rebelling and the parent
unable to control and respond to the child? These are all factors you as GAL should be exploring
in cases where the child is habitually truant. Recommendations may include family counseling,
individual counseling, referral to special education, peer support group, referral to an
attendance coordinator for transport to school.
For additional information, refer to:
20-A MRSA 5051
(Technical assistance for truants, dropout prevention and reintegration and alternative education);
20-A MRSA 5053
(Habitual Truants: Enforcement);
Maine DOE regulations, Chapter 128
(Truants and Dropouts)
Or Contact Shelley Reed at Shelley.reed@state.me.us
