Poster #179 - Reducing Chronic Absenteeism: Outcomes from the ARRIVE Program

• In Event: ASC Poster Session II

Abstract

The ARRIVE program is a Nebraska-based, community-centered truancy intervention designed to reduce chronic absenteeism among youth. From FY13–22, ARRIVE served 532 youth, with 407 cases included in this FY21–23 evaluation. Using a mixed-methods approach and a pre/post design, the program showed a significant 6.27% decrease in absenteeism during enrollment (from 15.73% to 9.47%, p < .001). After enrollment in the program, the attendance declined by 0.6%, which may indicate that there should be continued support after discharge. Regardless of age (average 13.07 years), gender (52.3% male), or race, improvements were consistent. The results of the School Refusal Assessment Scale (SRAS), parents thought their children were skipping school because they were attention-seeking or due to negative experiences at school, whereas students frequently skipped school in order to receive material benefits. 60% of the 407 closed cases finished the program successfully, whereas 5.4% did not. Schools accounted for the majority of referrals (96.1%), and 42% of adolescents did not have any direct interaction or activities during enrollment. Five parent interviews highlighted a lack of communication and misunderstandings regarding the program's structure. The program ARRIVE has shown to be beneficial, long-term results might be enhanced by increasing family outreach and follow-up.

Authors

• Riah Engel, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Anne M. Hobbs, University of Nebraska Omaha

• Amber Pelan, Saunders County Youth Services