District Of Columbia § 38-208 - Truancy procedures; inter-agency coordination.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 38-208 — Truancy procedures; inter-agency coordination., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38-208. Truancy procedures; inter-agency coordination.
38-208If a minor student accumulates 10 unexcused absences during a school year, the educational institution shall notify the Metropolitan Police Department within 2 business days after the 10th unexcused absence.
Within 2 business days of the 10th unexcused absence, the educational institution shall notify the Office of the State Superintendent of Education which shall provide the parent with the truancy prevention resource guide created pursuant to ; provided, that the parent has not received the truancy prevention resource guide before the 10th unexcused absence.
In addition to the requirements set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section:
The educational institution shall refer a minor student 5 years of age through 13 years of age to the Child and Family Services Agency pursuant to , no later than 2 business days after the accrual of 10 unexcused absences within a school year.
Beginning in the 2013-2014 school year, the educational institution shall refer a minor student 14 years of age through 17 years of age to the Court Social Services Division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and to the Office of the Attorney General Juvenile Section no later than 2 business days after the accrual of 15 unexcused absences within a school year.
Within 3 business days of the Office of the Attorney General, Juvenile Section receiving written notification pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection, the Office of the Attorney General shall send the minor student’s parent a letter notifying the parent that he or she may be subject to prosecution for violation of the school attendance requirements under this subchapter.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 38-208
What does D.C. Code § 38-208 cover?
Section 38-208 ("Truancy procedures; inter-agency coordination.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 38-208?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 38-208" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 38-208 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.