Short Answer 
To address educational neglect due to a child’s frequent school absences, you should first report the issue to the State Central Register as a mandated reporter. Ensure all school-based interventions have been documented and exhausted before taking action, and consider necessary follow-up steps, keeping in mind the child’s privacy and safety.
Step 1: Report Educational Neglect
As a mandated reporter, your first action should be to report the child’s extended absence to the State Central Register (SCR) for educational neglect. This is crucial when a child frequently misses school without adequate explanation. Completing this report fulfills your legal obligation to address potential neglect, allowing appropriate authorities to investigate further.
Step 2: Document School-Based Interventions
Before making a report, it is essential to ensure that all school-based intervention efforts have been fully exhausted. This includes attempting to communicate with the parents and involving school resources like a counselor. Document each attempt in detail to maintain a record of efforts made to engage the family and address the student’s attendance issues.
Step 3: Plan Follow-Up Actions
After reporting, consider if additional follow-up is necessary. This may involve gathering information from the child’s friends with caution and sensitivity to privacy concerns. If there are pressing safety concerns about the child, consulting school authorities or contacting the police might be appropriate, but this should typically follow your SCR report.