The Court Services Unit works with the city's schools to develop an early intervention program for youth or parents who fail to comply with Virginia's compulsory education requirements. The program works with school officials to identify attendance problems before they reach a level that requires court involvement.

Program Process
Under the Truancy Diversion Program, a probation counselor assembles an interagency team to meet with the youth and parents, and to identify services that will address the underlying problem. The probation counselor develops a diversion contract with the youth and parents and supervises the youth informally for 90 days to provide assistance and ensure complete follow-through.

Filed Complaints
Truancy complaints are formally filed on the youth when, regardless of this level of support, he or she fails to follow the agreement and continues to have unexcused absences from school.