Truancy Assessment Service Center

History of Truancy Assessment and Service Center (TASC)

House Bill 1008, signed July 1, 1999, funded two pilot TASC programs in Jefferson and Caddo Parishes for three years. Senator Chris Ullo was responsible for taking the initiative for the legislation that approved the development and funding of these centers. Currently, there are seventeen centers across the state.

What is TASC?

The Truancy and Assessment and Service Center is a cooperative endeavor among Jefferson Parish Criminal Justice Agency (Lead Agent), Juvenile Court (Fiscal Agent), Public School System, Human Services Authority, District Attorney's Office and the Sheriff's Office, to combat truancy related problems among grades K-5. This inter-agency serves as a governing board that oversees TASC functions.

Goal of TASC

The goal of TASC is to assure that all elementary school students attend school by guaranteeing compliance with Louisiana State Law and assisting caregivers with problems that prevent them from fulfilling their responsibility under these statutes.

Purpose

Research confirms a strong correlation between early truancy, continued academic and behavioral problems in school, 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. TASC is 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 environment factors affecting the child
• Appropriate use of the Family in Need of Services process including sanctions to ensure parental cooperation and behavioral change.

According to KidsCount2000, Louisiana's composite rank is 50th in the nation. The TASC program's long-term outcomes could reduce many of the risk factors for children living in Louisiana and thereby improve Louisiana's overall ranking throughout the country.

How are students referred to TASC?
Students in grades K-5 are referred to TASC by the schools when they reach five unexcused absences or two out of school suspensions. Anyone can make direct referrals to TASC by calling our office (504) 364-3750 and give the name of the child's school district.

What area and population does TASC service?
TASC services fifty-seven elementary schools (K-5) with a population of 26,000 students. This includes fifty-seven schools (32 on the westband and 25 on the eastbank of the river.

What services are provided by TASC?
TASC provides direct services, which foster school attendance to promote school attachment. This includes a wide range of services: assistance in basic needs such as housing, food and medical care; assistance in attaining records essential for enrollment; anger management classes; parenting classes; home visits; transportation; Rivarde tours; summer camp program; family evaluations and therapeutic services; and monitoring. As needed, TASC will refer to other agencies for support.

What is the relationship between TASC and Family in Need of Service (FINS)?
The Children's Code defines and establishes truancy as grounds for a FINS referral. TASC personnel are designated as FINS intake officers by the court to establish informal family service plans to be met with compliance. It is appropriate for TASC to use the FINS process and sanctions to ensure parental cooperation.