Connecticut Truancy Law
Allegations of Connecticut school truancy can be a source of conflict between parents and school administration. It can also lead to an unwanted referral to DCF alleging educational neglect
Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-198a provides the relevant regulations that each school district must follow regarding student attendance. It states:
“A student’s absence’ from school shall be considered excused if written documentation of the reason for the absence has been submitted within ten school days of the student’s return to school or in accordance with Section 10-210 of the Connecticut General Statutes and meets the following criteria:
A. For absences one through nine, a student’s absences from school are considered excused when the student’s parent/guardian approves such absence and submits appropriate documentation;
and
B. For the tenth absence and all absences thereafter, a student’s absences from school are
considered excused for the following reasons:
1. student illness (Note: all student illness absences must be verified by an appropriately
licensed medical professional to be deemed excused, regardless of the length of absence);
2. student’s observance of a religious holiday;
3. death in the student’s family or other emergency beyond the control of the student’s
family;
4. mandated court appearances (additional documentation required);
5. the lack of transportation that is normally provided by a district other than the one the
student attends (no parental documentation is required for this reason); or
6. extraordinary educational opportunities pre-approved by district administrators and in
accordance with Connecticut State Department of Education guidance.
Absences that exceed these limitations are considered unexcused and can eventually constitute truancy. Truancy is when a student has four unexcused absences in one month or ten unexcused absences in one school year.
Obviously, regular attendance at school is critical to a child’s academic success. Missed school can cause children to feel disorganized, confused, and/or unclear about assignments or expectations. In addition, children may miss instruction that is vital to their success in the academic environment. Plus, consistent school attendance helps build peer relationships and improve social skills.
I represent families throughout Fairfield County including Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich
Contact me online or call my Fairfield office at (203) 259-5251 or my Stamford office at(203) 356-1475 if you have questions about Connecticut school truancy issues or DCF Investigations.