Educational Neglect

Educational Neglect

The Solicitor-General works closely with the DeKalb County Public School System to offer parents and guardians who are identified as having children that are chronically absent from school an opportunity to complete a diversion program, such as Educational Neglect.

This program is for individuals that have chronically absent children, but the absenteeism has not escalated to a level requiring a formal criminal prosecution. In the Educational Neglect Program, parents and guardians are allowed to sign an attendance contract agreeing that their child will have no unexcused absences, and that they will meet with the child’s teacher, counselor or social worker at least once per month for a specified period of time. Failure to complete those conditions will result in criminal prosecution.