The Kansas Code for Care of Children in the definition of child in need of care [K.S.A. 38-2202(d)(6)] includes children who are not attending school as required by law [K.S.A. 72-3120]. The statutes related to compulsory school attendance [K.S.A 72 -3120] place responsibility with school boards of education to determine the validity of excuses for absences.
DCF offices may develop written procedures and coordination concerning the reporting of school non-attendance with each school district. DCF is authorized to enter into an agreement with a county/district attorney to allow all reports of school non-attendance to go directly to the county or district attorney's office. The PPS 1006 Reports of Unexcused Absences is available for schools to utilize when reporting unexcused absences to DCF.
DCF is responsible for completing an assessment alongside the family and their network when a report of school non-attendance is assigned for further assessment.