The KSCT District Truancy Service works with schools on the Kapiti Coast from Paekakariki to Otaki. If a truancy problem arises the school send referrals to the Truancy worker where they contact the family to try and resolve the issues that may be causing the truancy problem.
Truancy is a problem for the community as it leads to school age children being out on the street with nothing to do. It also leads to future problems with young adults leaving school with inadequate qualifications.
The aim of the service is to get the kids back to school. Sometimes this is not the best option and a better solution is to look for outside education providers or to start the path to finding a career that can be of interest.
Truancy is quite often a symptom of other issues not the central problem and we work alongside Youth Aid, Strengthening Families and Iwi services.
We endeavour to do our best to resolve any issues with the child and school however this takes commitment from both the child and their family. Without the support of the family, getting students to move forward is very difficult. We sometimes involve other services where necessary to help both student and their whanau to help reconnect with a positive future.
Vanessa Watt is the Kapiti District Truancy Worker. For information on the Truancy Service please contact 297 3142 or email dtskapiti@safercommunity.org.nz