TRUANCY HAS been a nagging problem in Belmont County schools for much too long. However, due to an innovative program, it is becoming a much less notable nuisance.

The Belmont County Juvenile Court’s Intake and Diversion Program has seen a drop of chronic truancy cases this year from 62 to 15. That reflects a 75 percent decrease, and we see that as a landmark achievement.

The program is funded through two federal grants. Its success is attributed, in part, to the bringing together of all the parties needed to curb truancy. Those include: students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors, Belmont County Student Services, probation officers, Belmont County Juvenile Court, Belmont County Sheriff’s Department and the Mental Health and Recovery Board.

The statistics speak for themselves. It is obvious with all the aforementioned individuals and entities taking part in remedying the problem, success follows.

The local truancy-fighting program is still in its infancy, showing great success in just its second year. The recipe for success has proved palatable for all those involved.

Having all the needed individuals as partners in the programs removes any misunderstandings or miscommunications which may foil attempts to reduce truancy. Parents are key players in this process. They are hands-on with their children while also interacting with school and county authorities who are working for the betterment of their children, not cast in the role of antagonists.

The program’s intent is not to have students end up in court, but rather to target the truancy-creating issue and look to eventually remove it.

Students may develop an absence-frequency pattern for many a reason, be it bullying, parental apathy or poverty. Regardless of what triggered the issue, a solution is always possible.

Judge J. Mark Costine and truant officer Dana Mistak should be commended on spearheading such a successful undertaking. They have been assisted by countless individuals and agencies who have a common concern for troubled youths.

We embrace the Belmont County truancy program. The results speak for themselves.