Local Leaders Support Truancy Reduction Program

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Shelby County D.A.'s truancy reduction program is getting high praise Thursday from both cops and clergy.

According to one study, the truancy rates for middle school students were cut in half thanks to the program. The goal is to pair adult mentors from the faith-based community with children who skip school regularly.

Memphis City Schools Superintendent Kriner Cash was among those applauding the effort. Cash says kids who go to school, stay out of trouble

"There are plenty of takers out there who will manipulate and entrap young people to do their bidding. And our young people by nature are very impressionable," said Cash.

The results were made public at the quarterly Law Enforcement Ministers Luncheon at the Brown Baptist Church in Southaven.