A truant is a student who stays away from school without permission or an explanation. Truancy laws are designed to encourage school attendance by creating simple court procedures through which children are held accountable for excessive school absences. The courts focus on the best interest of the child when addressing the truant conduct of a child.

Truant conduct is usually prosecuted or addressed as a civil (noncriminal) matter, and the definition and procedures for dealing with truancy are usually located in a state's statutes—often in the family code or education code.

In Missouri, truancy laws are established to ensure that children attend school regularly, as education is considered essential for a child's development and future opportunities. Under Missouri law, compulsory attendance is required for children between the ages of 7 and 17 years. If a child is habitually absent from school without an acceptable excuse, they may be considered truant. The state's statutes outline the responsibilities of both parents and schools in addressing truancy. Parents are legally obligated to ensure their children attend school, and failure to do so can lead to legal consequences, including fines and potential charges of educational neglect. Schools are required to report cases of truancy to the appropriate authorities and may work with the juvenile court system to address the issue. The juvenile courts handle truancy as a civil matter, focusing on the best interests of the child, which may involve interventions such as truancy prevention measures, counseling, or educational support programs. The goal is to address the underlying causes of truancy and to help the child return to regular school attendance.