TUSCUMBIA-The Colbert County District Attorney’s Office is proud to launch The Helping Families Initiative (HFI). This initiative focuses on addressing truancy and chronic absenteeism (excused and unexcused absences). HFI is an early intervention system designed to help children and families overcome challenges before those issues lead to involvement with the juvenile justice system.
The Helping Families Initiative is a statewide crime prevention program that works through Alabama District Attorneys’ Offices in partnership with local school systems. HFI began in Mobile County in 2003 and with Colbert County now involved, over half of the state of Alabama’s judicial circuits are participating with support from the Alabama Legislature and community partners.
The District Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring students aged 6 to 17 attend school regularly and maintain proper behavior. Under Alabama Code§ 16-28-12(c), the District Attorney strictly enforces truancy and conducts violations, holding parents or guardians legally responsible for their child’s actions and attendance. This program is designed to support you in meeting these parental duties while assisting our enforcement efforts.
“School attendance isn’t a choice, it’s the law.”
Colbert County District Attorney, Hal Hughston Ill, and the Colbert County District Attorney’s Office look forward to working alongside Colbert County Schools, Muscle Shoals City Schools, Sheffield City Schools and Tuscumbia City Schools to ensure every child can succeed.
For more information about the Helping Families Initiative, contact the HFI Director, Kelly Jeffreys, at the Colbert County District Attorney’s Office.
Media Release/Colbert County District Attorney’s Office
