tackling-chronic-absenteeism-project

Tackling Chronic Absenteeism Project

TCAP BY THE NUMBERS

Established in 2005, as the Truancy Court Program, the Sayra and Neil Meyerhoff Center for Families, Children and the Courts Tackling Chronic Absenteeism Project (TCAP) has…

  • Operated in 51 schools in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Montgomery County and Anne Arundel County.
  • Served more than 2,600 students and their families in kindergarten through grade 12.
  • Engaged more than 25 judges and magistrates from Maryland’s courts.

Chronic absenteeism is a crucial early indicator of a student’s risk of dropout and later interactions with the juvenile justice system. For most children and families, school is a structured and stabilizing routine. When unexcused absences become chronic, that is often a sign that children and families are struggling with problems such as bullying, an undiagnosed learning impairment, illness or substance use in the family, housing instability or neighborhood violence, among others.

 

Launched in 2005, as the Truanc Court Program, CFCC’s Tackling Chronic Absenteeism Project (TCAP) is a voluntary, non-punitive, holistic, data-driven intervention that works to identify and address the root causes of truancy for each child, seeks to improve behavior and student and family attitudes toward school and helps build a foundation for long-term academic success. The program has been honored as a Bright Idea by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

 

CFCC offers a range of opportunities for students at the University of Baltimore and its School of Law to become involved with the Tackling Chronic Absenteeism Project as CFCC Student Fellows and as TCAP volunteers.

 

CFCC offers organizations nationwide options for to replicate the Tackling Chronic Absenteeism Project in their schools and communities.

Four principles guide the operation of the TCAP:

 

Our non-adversarial, trauma-informed model builds connections among the child, parents/caregivers, school administrators, teachers, a judge, a mentor and service providers. We enhance conflict-resolution skills through the use of restorative practices. The TCAP team strengthens relationships through intensive, confidential meetings tailored to each child’s unique needs and circumstances that are designed to foster re-engagement with and re-connection to school. These connections provide students a safe space to discuss their lives and share their experiences with the TCAP Team.

 

This voluntary program serves students who have 5 to 30 unexcused absences/tardies in the prior two marking periods. We work primarily with students from third grade through high school. By intervening early to address attendance issues, our team can rebuild and strengthen a student’s academic, social and emotional connections to school.
The root causes of chronic absenteeism often occur as a result of conditions that affect the entire family. Our multidisciplinary team, including a mentor, a social worker and an attorney, connects families with available social and legal services and supports. We also work to empower the family through education and guidance to promote the child’s school attendance and success. We provide "Know Your Rights" workshops for students to empower students to advocate for themselves inside and outside their schools.
Continually rewarding improved attendance and academic performance keeps students motivated and builds self-esteem. TCAP students receive weekly incentives for meeting short-term attendance, academic and behavioral goals, as well as graduation gifts upon successful completion of the program. Individuals and businesses donate many incentives, which the TCAP Team aims to match to each student’s interests.

 

The Anthony “Bubba” Green Star Player Award

In 2019, the CFCC created the Anthony “Bubba” Green Star Player Award, in recognition of Bubba’s longtime commitment to Baltimore’s children and youth and his many years of dedicated service as the TCAP Mentor. This award is given annually to the individual associated with the TCAP who best exemplifies Bubba’s commitment to take on new challenges and persevere in the face of adversity. Recipients have included:

2024 - Mark Bell, University of Baltimore Law Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
2023 - Hon. Miriam Hutchins
2022 - Christopher Kelly, University of Baltimore Criminal Justice Intern
2020 - Carla Simon, LCSW-C, School Social Worker, Furley Elementary School
2019 - Mark Friedenthal, Esq.

TCAP News & Events

Read the April 2020 issue of Full Court Press, with articles on the TCAP’s 15 years in service to schools, families and students.