CT SB00982

Establishes a pilot truancy clinic within the regional children's probate court for Waterbury district, administered by the administrative judge of that court.

Allows elementary and middle school principals in Waterbury to refer parents or guardians of truant or at-risk students to the clinic, which issues citations and summons for initial appearances.

Operates using nonpunitive procedures to identify and resolve causes of truancy; participation after initial appearance is voluntary and includes support services and partnerships with schools and community agencies.

Requires the administrative judge to file annual effectiveness reports starting September 1, 2012, and directs the Probate Court Administrator to submit a comprehensive assessment to the judiciary and education committees by January 1, 2015.

Authorizes probate magistrates and attorney probate referees to hear matters referred by the truancy clinic and permits the court to delegate truancy clinic referrals to these officials with party consent.