In Putnam County, a new pilot program called JEDI (Juvenile Enrichment, Diversion and Intervention), aims to reverse trends in the growing issue of truancy at the middle school level. The program, a collaboration between Putnam County Schools, Putnam County courts and the DHHR takes a more therapeutic approach to middle school truancy cases rather than multiple courtroom visits. Eyewitness News reported, right now in Putnam County, the school system is monitoring 500 truancy cases which means these students have more than 10 days of unexcused absences this year. The JEDI program requires students to partake in weekly therapy with the DHHR at the Putnam County office. It also provides family support services and requires negative drug tests from the students.