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Last updated on Thursday, August 4, 2011
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Marion County parents now have another reason to get their kids to school.
Prosecutor Terry Curry will now file charges in criminal court against parents who don't sent their kids to school. If a child has ten unexcused absences within a school year, they are considered "habitually truant". In the past, the cases were sent to juvenile court.
The new policy focuses on the parents of children 11 and under and takes effect at the start of the 2011-2012 school year. Parents involved in these cases will likely be entered into a diversion program, which will be tailored to meet their needs. The parents would have no criminal record if they comply, but if they don't, they may face jail time.
155 truancy cases were filed in Marion County last year.
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