Kennesaw GA Sets curfew

Kennesaw wants children in school, not on the streets.

Children 17 and younger cannot hang out in public places between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on school days, according to a new city ordinance.

There are exceptions for children going to or from school, participating in school activities, or those who have written consent from a legal guardian. Home schooled children also are exempted from the curfew.

The state of Georgia has a nightime curfew for children 17 and under, but there is no statewide curfew for school hours. Minors must be in by 11 p.m. on weekdays and by midnight on weekends.

Kennesaw passed the ordinance Monday to support the schools, said Mayor Mark Mathews.

For years, the Cobb County school system has increased efforts to reduce truancy.

When students are frequently absent, it’s Paul Pursell’s job to figure out why. As the truancy court coordinator for Cobb schools, Pursell works with school social workers to get them back in school.

“Truancy is a predictor of delinquent behavior,” Pursell said. “If your child is truant, they may be doing something you don’t know about.”

School social worker Steve Fletcher splits his time among three Kennesaw schools. He believes the new law will help.

“I routinely see students I know wandering around the streets,” Fletcher said. “I just don’t have the authority, legally, to stop a child and confront them and try to get them back in school.”

Powder Springs passed a similar ordinance in 2006. Parents also can be cited. The first offense brings a warning, and subsequent offenses include fines up to $1,000.

In February, Pursell said he presented Mathews with a plan for a daytime curfew. He said he hopes other cities and the county will consider daytime curfews.


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