Grant aids county’s Truancy Diversion Program

Last Friday, a meeting was held to discuss the Chase County Truancy Diversion program which is expanding its definition.
Those involved in the collaboration of the updated program are Rory Roundtree, Deputy Chase County Attorney and Director for Southwest Nebraska Juvenile Services; Chase County Sheriff Kevin Mueller; Rod Gaston, Wauneta/Palisade 7-12 school principal; Mike Sorensen, Chase County Schools 7-12 principal; Adam Lambert, CCS superintentent; and Karen Baker, Chase County Attorney secretary.
The Chase County Diversion program received a grant from the Nebraska Crime Commission operating under the name of Southwest Nebraska Juvenile Services.
SNJS covers nine counties: Chase (lead county), Arthur, Dundy, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins and Red Willow.
“The grant is for one year for an add-on expansion of the diversion program,” said Roundtree.
Program overview in
handbook
The Chase County Truancy Diversion Program is based on the premise that every student is entitled to and capable of a good education and must be given some responsibility for his or her education.
However, the ultimate responsibility for a student’s education belongs to the parent(s) or guardian(s).
This program provides intervention strategies for students who have developed a record of significant truancies.
The emphasis is preventing the need for court supervision or criminal filings.
The program is directed toward a collaborative and friendly problem-solving nature that is supported by positive incentives but backed by appropriate sanctions as necessary.
One of the central purposes of the Chase County Truancy Diversion Program is to provide an alternative to juvenile court proceedings for truancy.
The long-term goal is for the student to have a consistent school attendance culminating with graduating from high school after completion of this program.
As part of this program, the student and parent/guardian agree to and sign an attendance contract through the Chase County Attorney’s office.
“We want to mention and thank Karen Baker for doing the brunt of the work writing and researching the development of the program,” Lambert said.
Those involved but not in attendance at the meeting were Chase County Attorney Arlan Wine and Jacci Brown, Chase County Commissioner chair.