Code of the District of Columbia

§ 4–205.66. Failure to meet school attendance requirements; notice.

(a) Upon determination that a pregnant or parenting teen has failed without good cause to meet the school attendance requirements of subsection (b) of this section, the Department shall provide notice which specifies the following:

(1) That the pregnant or parenting teen has a right to review and copy his or her records at the expense of the pregnant or parenting teen’s school pursuant to Chapter 26 of Title 5 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations;

(2) That prior to any action against the pregnant or parenting teen, he or she has a right to challenge, in writing, the contents of his or her school records pursuant to Chapter 26 of Title 5 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations; and

(3) That the pregnant or parenting teen is entitled to a hearing if he or she is not satisfied with the administrative decision pursuant to Chapter 26 of Title 5 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations.

(b) If the pregnant or parenting teen, or his or her parent or guardian, does not request a fair hearing pursuant to § 4-210.05, or, if after a fair hearing has been held, the hearing officer finds that the pregnant or parenting teen is not exempt from the school attendance requirements imposed by § 4-205.65(a), the Department shall determine the pregnant or parenting teen ineligible for federally-funded TANF benefits in the next possible payment month.

(c) The Department of Human Services shall develop an incentive program, in consultation with the District of Columbia Public Schools, to encourage school attendance and recognize those who meet the attendance requirements.