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Restorative programs urge funding, early intervention as Senate reviews H.930 on chronic absenteeism
Summary
Program leaders told senators H.930 should prioritize early, community-based interventions and clear data definitions; witnesses described a tiered approach, casework with DCF and courts as last resort, and warned that sustainable funding is needed to scale school-engagement specialists.
Witnesses before the Senate Education Committee recommended state support for community-based school engagement services as lawmakers consider H.930, the bill addressing chronic absenteeism.
Heather Hobart, executive director of the Memorial Restorative Center, told the committee the center’s school-engagement program served 130 students last year and reported a 75% reduction in chronic absenteeism among participants. Hobart said the program partners with schools, the state’s attorney, Department for Children and Families and other providers and currently relies on a mix of local and grant funding.
Katie Black, the Lamoille Restorative Center’s school…
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