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Guidelines for Schools Referring Truancy Case to PINS Diversion

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The following are general guidelines. Referrals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Questions should be directed to Supervisor Ellen Balthasar at 858-8076 (for Under 16) or Supervisor Rachelle Cybulski (For 16 & 17 year olds) at 858-8267.

  1. The student should have 15 or more days of ILLEGAL absences. The number of illegal absences should be mentioned on page one of the referral form under "Reason for PINS Referral."
  2. The school should have attempted other intervention methods as listed on page two of the referral form, e.g., parent conferences, home visits, superintendent's hearing, and where appropriate, referrals to counseling agencies and/or Child Protective Services.
  3. Special Education students should have a re-evaluation of their placement prior to referral for PINS actions.
  4. Referrals should be received by the Probation Department by April 15 of the school year in which the truancies occurred.
  5. If a student is a behavior problem at home or in the community, the parents may seek PINS Diversion services by calling 858-8349 to schedule an intake appointment. Behavior problems in school should be handled according to each district's own disciplinary procedure.