The A.R.T team consists of social workers and truancy officers who will aid and support schools as it relates to truant students. A.R.T members are assigned 8-11 schools. The A.R.T team will assist schools with attendance services for students who are habitually truant. 

• Assist the school in following school board regulations for excessive absences and truancy
• Attend student support team meetings (AIT) Level 2
• Home-visits 
• Protocol completion for student withdrawals
• Assist schools with Tier 1 interventions for truancy prevention
• Prepare documentation for students who meet the criteria for the district truancy meeting
• Process the DNE list during the first nine weeks of school
• Provide training to school staff and parents on school truancy laws

According to Florida Statute 1003.26, Enforcement of school attendance, if a student has had at least five unexcused absences within a calendar month, or 10 unexcused absences within a 90-day calendar period, or absences for which reasons are unknown, districts must enforce school attendance for all students of compulsory school age.

DCPS has policies and procedures to support regular attendance. The district uses a multi-tiered system of support for early identification of students who are developing a pattern of non-attendance since this may lead to a greater risk of dropping out and other maladaptive behaviors. School Social Workers and Truancy Officers support schools to improve attendance and academic achievement to address the barriers that keep students from being in school every day. They attend intervention meetings and provide support, intervention, counseling, referrals to appropriate community resources, and if appropriate, referrals to the Youth Crisis Center and State Attorney’s Office for students with attendance or habitual truancy problems.

Click to view District Attendance Policy.

Laura Chiarello

Social Worker Supervisor

chiarellol@duvalschools.org

Katrina Taylor

School Behavioral Health Director

eunicek@duvalschools.org

Attendance Social Workers

Truancy Officers