Truancy

Purpose

Benton County Truancy Diversion Procedure is for children twelve and older. For this age group the child's absence from school is presumed to be due to the child's intent to be absent from school. For a child under 12 years of age and absent from school, it is presumed to be due to the parents, guardians or custodians failure to comply with the compulsory instruction law. 

Reports

Reports of children under twelve having seven or more un-excused absences made to our Benton County child protection unit will be assessed as educational neglect. (MN Statute 260C.163 Subd. 11)