Consistently casting blame on parents and whānau for the choices of their children is all too common.  This is especially troubling when so many of these choices come as a result of systems created by colonization, continued marginalization, and racism – and are much bigger societal issues than a single child.

As one school leader says:

“Stop this attribution of blame. Let's stop persecuting parents. That is a ridiculous strategy.”

If we want to solve problems of truancy, all stakeholders must work together towards a solution.