SB 5293: Concerning court-based and school-based efforts to promote attendance and reduce truancy

SB 5293 takes steps to eliminate or reduce a child’s absences. These steps shall include application of an assessment tool such as the Washington assessment of the risks and needs of students (WARNS) by a school district’s designee no later than the fifth unexcused absence in a month or tenth unexcused absence in a year. The bill requires that Community truancy boards must include members who receive training in culturally responsive interactions and more.  Additionally, SB 5293 removes language related to the courts having the authority to order a youth to submit to a temporary placement in a crisis residential center or HOPE center if the court determines there is an immediate health and safety concern, or a family conflict with the need for mediation, and adds language stating that the court has  the ability to impose alternatives to detention through temporary placement in a crisis residential center or HOPE center if the court determines there is an immediate health and safety concern, or a family conflict with the need for mediation.