A pilot project has been started to reduce student absenteeism in two western Michigan school districts.
Kent County's 17th Circuit Court in Grand Rapids says Thursday that its Truancy Court will provide up to 20 lawyers to work with students in Wyoming and Godwin Heights schools.
The lawyers are providing their legal services free of charge.
Students and their families also will have access to community services through the court's crisis intervention program. The goal is to get students services they need to overcome attendance barriers and get them back in school.