The State of California believes that the first priority is that the child attends school on a daily basis. For example, Welfare & AFDC benefits may end or be reduced drastically, if a student misses more than 3 full days of school. Education Code Section 48260-48263 provides definitions and referral procedures for:
Any student subject to compulsory attendance who is absent without a valid excuse more than three (3) days in one school year is considered a habitual truant. The district will automatically send truancy notifications when a student is marking unexcused (30) minutes or more on three separate days per California’s truancy laws.
Any student defined as habitual truant who continues an unacceptable pattern of unexcused absences or tardiness may be referred to the district’s SARB.
Students with (6) six or more unexcused absences past (30) days may be placed on a Pre-SARB attendance agreement. This last 365 days from issuance and absences can only be excused with a medical note.
Any student showing low academic performance may also have their permit revoked.
Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 601 describes the consequences for habitual truancy if a minor pleads or is found guilty by trial to include but not limited to:
Being made a ward of the court (placed on probation).
Having a driver’s license revoked or denied until age eighteen.
Being placed in juvenile hall for violation of court order.