Positive Steps

Every student should feel supported and successful in school.

Students with chronic truancy (missing 10% or 18 days of a school year) are less likely to receive a high school diploma and eventually earn a living wage job. Truancy also predicts higher rates of violent behavior and involvement with the justice system. 

When attendance is a problem, Pierce County Juvenile Court, schools, parents, caregivers and other professionals refer students and their caring adults to the Positive Steps program. Positive Steps helps students, families, and communities reduce truancy and keep youth engaged and out of the justice system. 

Services

• Strength-based needs assessment of child and family, with a family-driven plan for success
• 3–9 months of in-home and community-based services
• Re-enrollment or re-engagement in school
• Connections with Pierce County mental health, substance abuse, social service agencies, and case management services in the school community
• Advocacy and updates at court hearings and school meetings

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Eligibility 

Services are free for eligible students and are available to families and students who are involved with, or at risk of becoming involved with, Truancy Court. 

Students must reside in unincorporated Pierce County and be willing to participate and meet with Positive Steps staff in their home, school, or community. 

Positive Steps Brochure                            Positive Steps Referral Form          

For more information please contact:

Partners

Our partners include, Pierce County Juvenile Court - Remann Hall, Unincorporated Pierce County Schools, Tacoma-Pierce County Healthy Department, and Pierce County Human Services.