Fight against truancy steps up as 13 families convicted in 5 months

THERE were 13 convictions against parents relating to truant children in the first five months of this year, one of which ended in a custodial sentence, according to the National Education Welfare Board (NEWB).

This compares with 14 convictions for the whole of 2008 and only three in 2007.

Almost a quarter of all legal notices issued to parents since the scheme began four years ago were served in this first five months of this year, the figures show.

Since 2005, the NEWB has issued 1,020 formal warnings – school attendance notices (SANS) – to parents, 245 of which were issued up to May 2009.

Analysis of the statistics reflects that the NEWB is stepping up its fight against absenteeism in schools.

The board has issued 186 summonses since 2005 – almost 90 of which are still active.

To May this year, 46 summons were issued against parents, compared with 51 for all of 2008.

Occasionally, the involvement of other services with the family may be sufficient to bring about change. In exceptionalcases – where there is no change and the child remains out of school – the education welfare officer (EWO) will considertaking a prosecution.

Regional manager of the NEWB Michael Doyle said, however, bringing parents to court is a last resort.

“Schools have an obligation to report absenteeism over 20 days. We then contact the school and clarify the report. We would be anxious to know what efforts the school has made as there could be a reasonable explanation.”

Once a SANS is issued however, proceedings are taken out of the school’s hands, the situation is monitored and the parent is given every opportunity to address the underlying issues, Mr Doyle said.

While the figures indicate increased activity by education welfare officers (EWOs), there is concern their work could be undermined bycutbacks.

Mr Doyle said the NEWB was “managing” with current staff numbers of 105.

More than 100,000 students miss upwards of 20 days of school each year. The figures, compiled by the NEWB, also show a link between high absenteeism rates and schools catering for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Older children are also more likely to miss school for longer periods, and the rate of absenteeism in secondary schools is markedly higher than at primary level.