The Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) Department is dedicated to supporting the success of every student. We work closely with students, families, and schools to ensure that all students have the opportunity to receive a quality education in a safe and supportive environment. Our goal is to address barriers to attendance and provide resources that help students thrive in school.

Our Services

The CWA department provides a variety of services, including:

• Attendance & Truancy: We work with families and students to address unexcused absences and chronic truancy, providing interventions and resources to improve attendance.

• Enrollment & Registration: We assist with the enrollment process, including student transfers, proof of residency, and ensuring students in transition (e.g., experiencing homelessness or in foster care) have immediate access to education.

• Student Discipline: We work with schools to apply district discipline policies and procedures fairly and consistently.

• School Safety & Climate: We collaborate with schools and law enforcement to promote a safe and positive school environment for all.

• Pupil Records: We ensure compliance with laws and policies regarding the confidentiality and transfer of student records.

• Work Permits: We process and issue work permits for students under the age of 18.

Attendance Policies & Information

Regular and on-time attendance is a key factor in a student's academic success. Please familiarize yourself with our attendance policies.

Excused vs. Unexcused Absences

Excused Absences:

• Student illness (with a doctor's note for more than [Number] days).

• Quarantine is directed by a health official.

• Medical, dental, or optometry appointments.

• Funeral services for an immediate family member.

• Religious holidays or ceremonies.

Unexcused Absences:

• Family vacation or travel.

• Oversleeping.

• Missing the bus.

• Personal appointments (without prior approval).

What is Truancy?

According to the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), a student is considered truant when they have accumulated five unexcused absences or five unexcused tardies within a single semester. This definition specifically applies to the condition of being "habitually absent" or "habitually tardy," which can lead to referral to the family or juvenile court if not corrected by school or law enforcement efforts.

What is Chronic Absenteeism?

According to the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% or more of days enrolled, including all types of absences such as excused, unexcused, suspensions, and expulsions. For a typical school year, this equates to 18 or more missed days, and it serves as an early warning indicator for potential academic challenges.

Important Documents & Forms

• Student Handbook and Discipline Policy

• Employee Requesting Transfer of Child Form

• Out of Parish Transfer Request

• In Parish Transfer Request

• Transcript Request

Contact Us

We are here to help! If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us.

"The best way to predict your future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln. Your presence in the classroom today is the first step toward building the tomorrow you want.