My child is 15 years old and refusing to attend school. It is beyond my control to ensure his attendance. Can I be charged with educational neglect?

No. If a parent does everything reasonable to get his or her child to attend school but the child still is truant and does not go to school it is not considered neglect. Parents are expected to seek help in order to address the reasons a child is not attending school. In New York it is required that children attend school through the end of the school year when they turn 17 years old. So, if a student turns 17 in December they must attend school through the end of the year in June.

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1. I enrolled my son in kindergarten but don’t always send him to school. Since kindergarten isn’t mandatory, does it really matter if he attends every day?
2. My child is enrolled in school but I have decided that I would prefer to educate my child at home. Can I be charged with educational neglect for not sending my child to school?
3. My child is 15 years old and refusing to attend school. It is beyond my control to ensure his attendance. Can I be charged with educational neglect?