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County district attorney describes "Here to Learn" collaborative court to address truancy; board hears early results
Summary
Merced County District Attorney Silvera described a revamped truancy response that shifts from misdemeanor filings to an education-code infraction and a collaborative Here to Learn court; early calendars saw about 10 families and a mix of enrollments, pleas and one $500 fine.
District Attorney Silvera briefed the Merced Union High School District board about the Here to Learn program and recent state changes in truancy enforcement during the public comment/attendance portion of the May 20 meeting.
Silvera said the legislature eliminated the earlier misdemeanor option (referenced in the meeting as Penal Code section 270.1) and retained education-code infractions (citing Ed. Code 48293) that carry progressive fines for repeated violations. "They did away with 270.1, but the education code infraction still remains," Silvera said, adding that fines range from $100 for a first conviction to $500 for a third-or-more conviction and that courts may order educational programs with potential further penalties if parents fail to comply.
To support families and reduce criminalization, the DA described a Here to Learn collaborative court set up at the juvenile justice court with a judge experienced in juvenile matters. Under the program parents who enroll come to court every other month, must get their child to school (fewer than five unexcused absences in one year is required), and participate in the SAFE class. "After one year, if the parents show success and do all the things that we told you to do, then the case will be dismissed and no fines will be imposed," Silvera said.
Silvera reported that three calendars have been held so far, about 10 families attended the most recent session, some parents pled guilty and one parent was fined $500. Several families chose to enroll in the collaborative court for support instead of accepting charges. Trustees asked clarifying questions about frequency (parents attend every other month), judge cooperation and program costs; Silvera said partner districts share investigator salary costs and that court attendance is meant to produce accountability through oversight and, when necessary, fines or collections.
Trustees thanked the DA for the overview; the board did not take an immediate vote on the program but acknowledged the initiative and asked staff to continue coordinating with county partners.
