Impacting Truancy By Addressing Needs of Caregivers

Background:  Truancy is a common problem and is associated with dropping out, substance abuse, and mental health problems. Context must be considered when addressing truancy, including family, school, and community factors. Studies have also shown that youth who are truant and their families experiences a number of psychosocial stressors and adverse circumstances. Yet, little is known about the needs of parents of youth who are truant. It is important to know this since effective prevention and intervention efforts must involve parents and also address their needs. The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine the mental health related needs of caregivers (parents or grandparents who had custody) of youth who were truant.

Methods: Data were gathered from a small random sample of caregivers who attended a pre-court hearing for truancy. Sixty-five caregivers completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale (CES-D10), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the Duke Health Profile, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the short form of the Parenting Stress Index (PSI-SF). When available, clinical cut scores were used to assess need, otherwise one-sample t-tests tested for differences between the sample and referent means. The mean age was 43 (SD=9.8).  Most (77%, n=50) were Caucasian, 23% (n=14) were African-American, and one was Hispanic.  In general, caregivers were under-resourced, with low incomes, a 62% rate of unemployment and low levels of education. 

Results:  Forty-eight percent scored 10 or higher on the CES-D, indicating possible depression and 51% scored positive for psychiatric distress on the BSI. Based on the Duke subscales, caregivers scored statistically significantly poorer on physical health, mental health, social health, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, than did the referent populations. More than 50% scored in the clinical range on the subscales of the PSI-SF, and the PSS mean of 18 was significantly higher than the mean of 13 for the general population t (64)=5.61, p=.001).   

Implications: Despite study limitations, including a small sample and no comparison group, little research has focused on the mental health and stress levels of caregivers of youth who are truant.  A number of scholars have suggested the need to address parent problems and concerns when working with youth. Some states have passed laws that provide for fines and jail time for parents of youth who are truant, but these more punitive approaches are not evidence-based and may lack effectiveness given the lack of resources and related stress and mental health issues of some parents. Findings of this study included that many caregivers experienced or were at risk for depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, and had high levels of stress. Therefore, programs and services to prevent and address truancy should include assessment of caregiver needs and provide appropriate services to them.