What happens if my 16 year old refuses to go to school?
Asked by: Dr. Lavonne Bosco | Last update: October 25, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (47 votes)
They will suspend his drivers license if he has one and will seek to get him into an alternative school or counseling to try to get to the bottom of why he will not attend. If that does not work, the next step is they can place him into the state custody into a state school through the juvenile detention program.
What do I do if my 16 year old won't go to school?
Your options are reporting it in writing to her school and request a truancy officer to visit her, or call the non emergency police line to escort her to school.
What happens if my 16 year old won't go to school?
The best way to get children back to school is by working with the school. If school refusal is related to anxiety or depression, children might also need mental health support. It's good to acknowledge children's feelings about school, but let them know that you expect them to go back to school.
Who can I call if my child refuses to go to school?
It's never too early to talk with someone. A mental health professional can provide tailored interventions to address the underlying causes of school refusal. Remember, school refusal is treatable. With early intervention and a collaborative approach, children can overcome their fears and return to school.
What are the consequences of not going to school?
Truancy consequences for a child can include: A decline in school performance. Having to repeat grades. Loneliness and loss of friendships.
Is Your Child/Teen Refusing to Attend School?
Can the police make my child go to school?
A parent has a duty to ensure that their child receives an education. If your child is refusing to go to school, then the police do not have any powers to make them attend. You should speak to the school who will be able to offer support and assistance.
What states have truancy laws?
At least 15 states include attendance officers in state legislation (i.e., Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wyoming).
Can you report a child not going to school?
If a student is not attending school and is not either enrolled in a church school or being tutored by a certified teacher, that student is considered truant and may be reported to their local school district and investigated by the local attendance officer for truancy.
What is the best intervention for school refusal?
Evidence-based intervention for school refusal includes several key elements. Children who experience anxiety about school may benefit from a gradual reintroduction plan, positive reinforcements for staying at school, and clear, consistent expectations for attendance.
How do you deal with a child who refuses to go to school?
- Identify the Problem. ...
- Focus on Teaching Your Child Problem-Solving Skills. ...
- It's About Motivation and Consequences (Just Like It Is with Adults) ...
- Allow Your Child to Face Natural Consequences. ...
- Set Limits and Hold Your Child Accountable.
What can I do if my 16 year old refuses to come home?
- Use a graduated system to rectify the situation.
- Open up a reasonable line of communication with the noncustodial parent.
- Ascertain why the teen does not want to come home.
- Consider the age of the teen and the possibility for a change.
- Involve law enforcement.
- Seek a court order.
- Seek legal assistance.
Can you get taken away from your parents for not going to school?
In conclusion, while it is possible for a child to be taken away for not attending school, it is typically the result of persistent, unaddressed issues of educational neglect. The goal of intervention is always to support the child's well-being and educational success.
Can I call the police if my child refuses to come home?
Is it possible to call the police on your own child if they run away and refuse to come home? What actions can the police take in this situation? Your child is a run away, call it in as such. If you know where they are let the police know as well, it's against the law to harbor a run away.
Can I call the police if my child refuses to go to school in the UK?
A parent has a duty to ensure that their child receives an education. If your child is refusing to go to school, then the police do not have any powers to make them attend. You should speak to the school who will be able to offer support and assistance.
How common is school refusal?
Approximately 2–5% of all school-aged children and adolescents experience school refusal behavior. The occurrence is comparable between males and females. While school refusal behavior occurs at any ages, it is more prevalent in children aged 5 to 6 and those between 10 and 11 years of age [2].
Is anxiety a good reason to miss school?
Anxiety becomes a concern if it persists - it can impact relationships with family, peers and teachers, contribute to academic challenges, and lead to school avoidance/refusal. Addressing anxiety is important for a child's overall well-being, not just attendance.
What are the consequences of school refusal?
If left untreated, school refusal can have long-term consequences. It can lead to academic underachievement and social isolation. Untreated school refusal can potentially lead to more serious mental health issues in adulthood. It's crucial to address school refusal as early as possible.
Should you force a child with anxiety to go to school?
Try not to shout, tell them off or force them into school. Making them go in without changing anything is likely to make their anxiety worse in the long-term. Even though they might physically get to school, they probably won't be in a position to learn either.
What is the therapy for truancy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, gradual exposure techniques, and individualized support plans are effective strategies. In contrast, truancy interventions focus on behavioral modifications, potential legal ramifications, and reengagement strategies to rekindle interest in learning.
Can I call the police if my child doesn t want to go to school?
Call the police/truant officer and have them pick her up for truancy. If you contact a police/school resource officer ahead of time, they will often talk with children about the possible outcomes of continued truancy. Some jurisdictions will put habitual truants in detention.
Can CPS take your child from school?
So they can't remove them from school without an order, either. The Constitution actually requires due process meaning they need an order. Even if they got an emergency order, the law would still require they give you notice and a hearing, usually within 2 weeks, so no sedrets here.
What happens to a parent if a child doesn't go to school?
In California, it is against the law for children to not attend school and parents can face jail time for this act.
Can you drop out of high school at 16?
While several states allow students 18 or older to withdraw independently, many require students 16–18 years of age to have the expressed permission of a parent or guardian. Meanwhile, a few states forbid anyone under 18, regardless of parental consent, to legally drop out.
Is truancy child neglect?
In terms of child welfare, it is important to recognize education neglect and truancy are two different things.
Can you enroll yourself in high school at 16?
In the United States, a child's legal guardian is the only person capable of enrolling a child in a public school. The legal guardian could be a grandparent, another family member, or foster parent, but it must be a legal guardian. The only exception is if you are emancipated, which is highly unlikely.