School Attendance Review Team (S.A.R.T.)
Loitering
Jr. Golf Program
Youth Probation Officer

What is SART?
SART stands for Community School Attendance Review Team. SART was established by a cooperative agreement between the City of Santa Fe Springs, the Little Lake School District, Los Nietos School District, Whittier Union High School District, and South Whittier School District in order to cooperatively intervene and redirect student behavior which impedes progress in school and ultimately their citizenship in the community. SART is a level of intervention that can act as a intermediary between schoo, SARB, and the juvenile court; enabling all community/school/home solutions to be applied before referring the student to the District SARB, District Attorney, and/or the juvenile court.

Who is SART?
SART committee members consist of the Director of Community Intervention Services, a City Probation Officer, Whittier Police Department Detectives, a ACT District Attorney Representative, a City Clinical Social Worker, a City Community Intervention Specialist, School Officials, a School Nurse, and college interns.

SART Goals
SART members are dedicated professionls who hold the belief that every child in this community has a place in this world. Every child has a precious future which sometimes becomes confused, misguided, or lost. In these children, school is often times the only place to reach them, to let them know that someone cares. At the same time, each child must accept responsibilities, these responsibilities mean regular attendance and self control of their behavior.

How SART works
Students are referred to SART for school attendance and/or behavioral problems. Local schools cooperating in the SART effort may take direct referrals after exhausting all school and community resources. The SART committee conducts its business as a hearing. Parent(s) along with child are required to be present. After a discussion with the school representatives, the parent(s), child and the SART committee, an attendance and/or behavior contract is signed by all parties. An integral part of SART's success is the weekly follow-up of this contract.

SART Non-Compliance Referral
If a student and/or parent does ot comply with the contractual agreement, the SART committee has the authority to refer the case to the District SARB #23 and SARB #23A, the District Attorney's Office, or the Juvenile Probation Officer for violation of the contract.

The Law and How it Works
The State of California has a compulsory education law which states that all children must attend school, or an approved alternative, until they complete a high school education or attain the age of 18 years. There are no exceptions to this law which serves the best interests of children and families. Extended absences for personal matters, vacations, and other non-medically related reasons are not permitted under law. For medical reasons, a licensed physician, or other licensed health professional, must provide a written excuse for all absences. Chronic problems which are being treated such as asthma, allergies, and non-specific pain need medical documentation stating that this illness is not responding to traditional treatment or is so debilitating that the child cannot attend regular school.

City of Santa Fe Springs Daytime Loitering/Curfew Ordinance
Under Municipal Code 15-19.1, unsupervised students who are loitering during school hours are not subject to police detention. New emphasis is being given to enforcing the City's curfew ordinance (M.C. 15-19.1). Curfew hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11:00 p.m. If a juvenile is found to be out of school or out past curfew, he/she will be returned to school or home by police officers and will be warned. On a second occurrence, the juvenile will be cited into juvenile traffic court and/or assessed a City service fee.

Jr. Golf Program

The Santa Fe Springs' Jr. Golf Program has been established to introduce youths up to 17 years of age to the game of golf. The purpose of the program is to provide professional instruction, golf equipment and course access to all participants. An underlying premise of the program is that golf is unlike other sports in that it focuses on personal responsibility - it requires a unique level of self-discipline, self-imposed honesty and a high level of self-monitored integrity. The character building emphasis of the Jr. Golf Program is reflected in the personalized one-on-one approach of camaraderie with both fellow participants and the adult instructors. This innovative program creates an environment for young people to develop pride in themselves and their community.

Whether you are a beginning golfer, or if you have never golfed but always wanted to, and you are between the ages of 7-17, Junior Golf is for YOU! Our Jr. Golf Program will teach you the proper body alignment, ball position, swing sequence, set up and the correct grip for the golf club.

The Jr. Golf Program is free to all Santa Fe Springs residents. Beginner lessons are held on Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. on the infield of the track at Lake Center Athletic Field. No equipment needed! Clubs will be provided. Registration is limited, so hurry and call the Police Services Center today at (562) 409-1850 to reserve your space!

Youth Probation Officer

The City's Youth Probation Officer is responsible for supervising juveniles placed on community probation supervision. Our Probation Officer works with minors, families, schools and other relevant resources to evaluate the minor's progress and monitor compliance with court orders. Our Probation Officer focuses on providing case management services (assessment, orientation, contacts, service referrals, violations, court reports, etc.) to enforce compliance with expectations and court orders.