At School

  • Truancy
    Referrals

    Referral templates, sample letters, current law and guide to the SART/SARB/DA referral process

  • Attendance
    Initiatives

    Toolkits and samples of successful programs to combat chronic absenteeism and truancy

  • Health
    Initiatives

    Programs that address the intersection of student health and attendance

  • Student
    Safety

    Ensuring student safety on and off campus to increase daily attendance

  • Media

    Press coverage, press releases & information for the media

The Alameda County District Attorney's Office

2019-2020 Referral Handbook

Please refer to our 2019-2020 Referral Handbook for the most up-to-date information about the referral process.

The DA's Office is proud to announce our HEAL program won a 2016 National Association of Counties Achievement Award.

The HEAL (Health, Education, and Attendance for life) Program was awarded in the criminal justice and public safety category for addressing the link between school absences and health struggles in young children.

"Every Day Counts" - Attendance Toolkit

The attendance toolkit, Every Day Counts, is now available.
Every Day Counts (PDF 6.5Mb)

Welcome to At School: a resource hub to help improve school attendance

Truancy Dimissal Ceremony 2019

The Alameda County District Attorney's Office is committed to addressing the epidemics of chronic absenteeism and habitual truancy. We are highly aware of the correlation between poor school attendance during childhood and teen years and eventual involvement in the criminal justice system.

The DA's Office is dedicated to working together with educators, school administrators, law enforcement, health professionals and community based organizations to ensure that our youth attend school every day and graduate ready to succeed in college and work.

Many excellent programs, interventions, and strategies exist to keep students present and engaged in school. This website is a hub for information, tools, and resources that we believe will prove valuable in this joint endeavor.

For more information, please contact Assistant District Attorney Teresa Drenick.

2019 Truancy and Attendance Presentation PDF

View the 2019 Truancy and Attendance Presentation given by ADA Drenick to school districts: (View the PDF)

2018/2019 Main Causes of Truancy

Based on the cases that we see here at the DA's Office, there are numerous causes of truancy including:

  • physical health issues
  • transportation
  • ineffective parenting
  • bullying
  • mental health issues
  • finance
  • and a dysfunctional home environment.

Our Truancy Programs work with the family and the court to address these issues, enact strategies to improve or manage the struggles, and provide the support the family requires to help get their child (or children) back into school.

We wish to see all families thrive and enable their children to have the best shot at a bright future.