Judges back truancy court plan

Ellicott City (Map, News) - The Howard County School Board’s decision to support a truancy court in the county is a good idea, said two circuit court judges who have agreed to hear the cases.

“We’re trying to reach the kids before they get to that point of [criminal activity],” Judge Richard Bernhardt of the Howard County Circuit Court, said Friday.

“I’ve always been a supporter of efforts like these,” said Judge Louis Becker, of the Circuit Court, referencing state legislation that passed in 2004 leading to truancy courts in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties.

The school board recently passed a resolution supporting the concept of the truancy court, which would require approval by the state General Assembly before it could go into effect.

School officials said the court would serve as a way to help students who are habitually truant — missing at least 20 percent of the days enrolled during the school year.

The number of truants has declined from 256 during the 2003-04 school year to 169 during the 2005-06 school year, said Pamela Blackwell, director of student services for the school system.

“We’re moving in the right direction, but we want all students in school,” Blackwell said.

The new court could require the student to attend school, community service, family counseling, substance evaluation and treatment, mental health evaluation and treatment, keep a curfew or take away the student’s driver’s license.

Current Maryland law imposes penalties on parents if their children fail to attend school.

“I think it’s a great idea. Many times, a kid refuses to go to school, and the parents says, ‘I don’t know what to do,’ ” said School Board Member Larry Cohen.

School officials said state Del. Liz Bobo, D-12B, has agreed to support the legislation during a hearing of the General Assembly on Jan. 11.

Community groups, including the police department and mental health workers, also support the initiative, school officials said.

tjohnson@baltimoreexaminer.com

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