When should schools call child protective services over absences?

States and school districts are rethinking when to involve child protective services for students who miss a lot of school. A county in Nevada recently asked the state to stop reporting serial absences, a group of Minnesota districts have sought greater control over such cases, and some advocates in New York want the city’s school system to follow suit.

The debate reflects a wider struggle to reverse rising absenteeism without unduly frightening or penalizing families. Mandated reporters — including school staff — account for a substantial share of calls to child welfare agencies. In New York City, school employees make roughly 10,000 reports each year, with educational neglect cited in more than a third of them, yet such reports seldom lead to official findings.

Critics argue that sending families into the child protection system often does little to address the problems behind absences, and can be a frightening experience for parents. Others say reducing reports risks overlooking serious harm.

United States

child protection, school absences, absenteeism, mandated reporters, child welfare, educational neglect, new york, nevada, minnesota, school districts