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 Pennsylvania, truancy is defined as an absence from school without a valid excuse. The state's truancy laws are primarily outlined in the Public School Code of 1949 and subsequent amendments. These laws mandate compulsory school attendance for children of certain ages and establish the procedures for addressing truancy. When a student becomes truant, the school must notify the parents and provide a written warning of the legal consequences if the absences persist. If unexcused absences continue, the school may refer the case to the local magistrate or juvenile court. The courts aim to serve the best interest of the child, and interventions may include educational counseling, parenting education, community service, or a referral to a truancy prevention program. In some cases, parents may also be held responsible for their child's truancy and face fines or other penalties. The goal of these laws and procedures is to ensure that children receive the education they are entitled to and to address the underlying issues contributing to truancy.