My organization works with families of youth in the juvenile justice system.  Truancy is a well-known risk factor for serious violent and non-violent youth delinquency, and dropping out of school, which is also a risk factor for engaging in criminal activity.

I strongly support the Petition to Promulgate Regulations governing more specific reporting of truancy and truancy intervention efforts.  

These regulations will help Virginia's schools improve school attendance,  increase  Virginia's graduation rate, and reduce other risky youth behaviors.   

Please grant the petitioners' request and draft these critical regulations.