Kentucky Court of Justice
Court of Justice offering truancy prevention workshops to Kentucky communities

Two workshops to take place this week:
Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 15-16
Embassy Suites, 1801 Newtown Pike, Lexington

Thursday and Friday, Aug. 17-18
Rough River State Resort Park, 450 Lodge Road, Falls of Rough

What: Truancy is a growing epidemic that presents unique challenges to families, school systems and communities. In an effort to stem the negative effects of truancy, the Department of Juvenile Services of the Administrative Office of the Courts, in collaboration with the National Truancy Prevention Association (NTPA), is offering free professional development workshops on this important issue. This new Truancy Diversion Program is based on an initiative begun by Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert in cooperation with Kentucky Commissioner of Education Gene Wilhoit.

Who: This two-day workshop is designed for judges, court designated workers, directors of pupil personnel, local school personnel and community partners who want to learn how to combat truancy in their communities. Presenters include Jefferson Family Court Judge Joan L. Byer, president of the National Truancy Prevention Association; Jeffrey Kuhn, executive director of the NTPA; and Dr. Ken Seely, president of the Colorado Foundation for Families and Children of the National Center for School Engagement in Denver.

Purpose of Workshop: As a result of this workshop, teams will learn to develop or enhance their local truancy intervention program, gain access to national and Kentucky research on truancy trends and best practices, and learn how to develop a support network for individuals involved with these difficult cases.
Interview Opportunities: Jefferson Family Court Judge Joan L. Byer, president of the National Truancy Prevention Association, and Patrick Yewell, general manager of the Department of Juvenile Services of the Administrative Office of the Courts, will be available for interviews on these two days:
Wednesday, Aug. 16, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST
Friday, Aug. 18, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. CST

Contact: To arrange an interview, contact Leigh Anne Hiatt, APR, public information officer, Administrative Office of the Courts, 502-573-2350, cell 502-545-2839, lhiatt@kycourts.net.