TRUANCY ASSESSMENT and SERVICE CENTER (TASC)
WHAT IS TASC?
Truancy Assessment and Service Center (TASC). The Louisiana Legislature began 2 pilot TASC programs in 1999.
PURPOSE:
TASC provides early identification and assessment of truants and the prompt delivery of coordinated interventions to prevent continued unauthorized school absences.
SHORT-TERM GOAL:
Improvement in academic achievement
Improvement in school attendance
Improvement in school behavior & conduct
LONG-TERM GOAL:
Decrease in school dropout rate
Decrease in juvenile delinquency
Decrease in substance abuse
Decrease in teen pregnancy
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE LAW:
The School Attendance Law (R.S. 17:221) requires that children ages 7 to 18 attend school with a minimal amount of unexcused absences. This law is in place to protect the rights of children to have the best advantage of educational opportunities available. The responsibility for attendance is that of the parent and/or guardian.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TRUANCY:
Research shows a strong correlation between early truancy with continued school academic and behavioral problems, eventual school dropout, and delinquent behavior development. Teen pregnancy and adolescent substance abuse are also more likely to occur when children are unsuccessful in school. A truancy center is a tool that can be utilized to interrupt this cycle and reduce the negative effects of the truant behavior pattern.
WHY TASC IS EFFECTIVE?
Early Identification
Rapid assessment
Attention to family environmental factors
Targeted service response
Consistent and timely monitoring
Proper use of FINS process
Collaboration between school, family, law enforcement, court, and other community partners.
WHERE IS TASC TODAY?
11 sites serving 18 parishes
Currently serves more than 300 Louisiana public schools
Has received referrals for more than 200,000 at-risk students
livingston PARISH JUVENILE COURT ANNEX
Physical Address: 29770 South Magnolia St., Livingston, LA 70754
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 788, Amite, LA 70422
Office: (225) 686-1060
Fax: (225) 686-0307
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch) and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
TANGIPAHOA PARISH JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER
Physical Address: 801 South 1st Street, Amite, LA 70422
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 788, Amite, LA 70422
Office: (985) 747-8835
Fax: (985) 747-8836
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch) and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
TASC STAFF
Henrietta Palmisano
Juvenile Services Program Director
Livingston Office: (225) 686-1060
Tangipahoa Office: (985) 747-8835
Email: hpalmisano@21stjdc.org
LIVINGSTON STAFF
Jaycee Trevino, Receptionist
Office: (225) 686-1060
Email: jtrevino@21stjdc.org
Jolynn Hodges, FINS/TASC Case Monitor
Office: (225) 686-1060
Email: jhodges@21stjdc.org
Kelsey Hurst, FINS/TASC Case Monitor
Office: (225) 686-1060
Email: khurst@21stjdc.org
TANGIPAHOA sTAFF
Alivia Hoyt, Receptionist
Office: (985) 747-8835
Email: ahoyt@21stjdc.org
Molly O’Krepki, FINS/TASC Case Monitor
Office: (985) 747-8835
Email: mokrepki@21stjdc.org
Cassandra Bradford, FINS/TASC Case Monitor
Office: (985) 747-8835
Email: cbradford@21stjdc.org