The discussion notes that youth who are truant are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, commit crimes, be involved in gangs, and engage in other negative behaviors. It also notes that punitive approaches are not enough to stop the widespread problem of truancy. Youth need incentives make them want to go to school. The most effective strategies take the local situation into account. The materials cover background facts about truancy, guidelines for assessing the local problem, suggested actions, elements of a comprehensive strategy, information on how to create effective afterschool programs for youth, examples of what other communities are doing, and suggestions from other communities. List of resource organization and order form for publications from Join Together