Truancy and Assessment Service Centers (TASC)
The purpose of the Truancy Assessment and Service Centers is to provide early identification and assessment of truants and the prompt delivery of coordinated interventions to prevent continued unauthorized school absences. Research confirms a strong correlation between early truancy with continued school academic and behavioral problems, eventual school dropout, and delinquent behavior development. Teen pregnancy and adolescent substance abuse are also more likely to occur when children are unsuccessful in school.
The truancy centers are a tool that can be utilized to interrupt this cycle and reduce the negative effects of the truant behavior pattern. Several important characteristics are associated with effective truancy intervention, including:
- Early identification of truant children and appropriate assessment
- Rapid, coordinated, targeted service response to identified needs
- Consistent, timely monitoring and revising of service plans
- Attention to family environmental factors affecting the child
Truancy Centers currently funded by LCLE (FY20):
1. Beauregard Truancy Assessment Service Center – Deridder – 36th J.D.A.
2. Bossier/Webster Truancy Assessment Service Center –26th Judicial District Attorney
3. Caddo Truancy Assessment Service Center – managed by Volunteers for Youth ;
4. Calcasieu Truancy Assessment Service Center – managed by Office of Juvenile Justice Centers and Calcasieu Parish School Board.
5. East Baton Rouge Truancy Center – managed by EBR Truancy, Inc.
6. Iberia, St.Mary, & St. Martin – managed by 16th Jud. District Attorney
7. Jefferson TASC – managed by 24th Jud. District Attorney
8. Lincoln/Union Truancy Assessment Service Center – D.A. Office for 3rd District
9. St. Tammany/Washington Truancy Assessment Service Center – managed by Youth Service Bureau
10. Tangipahoa/Livingston, St. Helena Truancy Assessment Service Center
11. Vermilion Truancy Assessment Center – operated by Vermilion Parish School Board.
updated 1/10/2020