Kent County court starts pilot project to cut school absenteeism

GRAND RAPIDS (AP) — A pilot project has been started to reduce student absenteeism in two western Michigan school districts.

Kent County’s 17th Circuit Court says its Truancy Court will provide up to 20 lawyers to work with students in Wyoming and Godwin Heights schools.

The lawyers are providing their legal services free of charge.

Students and their families also will have access to community services through the court’s crisis intervention program. The goal is to get students services they need to overcome attendance barriers and get them back in school.

The project is based on a truancy court in Ingham County.