Changes to Existing Law

Truancy complaint--Content. Each truancy officer shall make and file truancy complaints, and any teacher, school officer, or any citizen may make and file a truancy complaint, before a in the circuit court judge having jurisdiction over the school in which the child is enrolled, against any person having control of a child of compulsory school age who is not attending school or whose attendance is irregular. The complaint shall state the name, and address if known, of the parent, guardian, or person responsible for the control of the child. The complaint shall be verified by oath upon belief of the complainant.

Truancy complaint--Investigation of abuse or neglect by department--Written report of findings. Upon filing of receiving a truancy complaint in accordance with § 13-27-20, the judge of a the circuit court shall issue a warrant of arrest to the sheriff of the county directing him the sheriff to bring the defendant before the court and to summon witnesses required to ascertain the facts in the case. Upon receiving a truancy complaint in accordance with § 13-27-20, the clerk of the circuit court shall forward a copy of the complaint to the Department of Social Services. Upon receipt of the truancy complaint, the department shall cause an investigation to be made, regarding potential abuse or neglect, in accordance with § 26-8A-9. The department shall, within thirty days of receiving the complaint, provide the clerk and the person who filed the complaint with a written report regarding the department's findings. 25 Catchlines are not law. (§ 2-16-13.1)