Students who are truant from school face many penalties in today's society. For instance, truants are at risk for substance abuse, lower academic achievement, and in particular for school dropout. The perceptions of individuals working with truant students may indeed impact the obstacles truant students face. The purpose of this study was to identify trends, issues, and perceptions of the lived experiences of judges, juvenile case workers, and program managers in regard to their work concerning one Louisiana Truancy Assessment Center. The research for this qualitative phenomenological study using narrative inquiry consisted of interviews by six participants who shared their perceptions in regards to truant students and their families. Findings indicated a central focus upon family issues and a need for adequate assessments. This study has implications for the development of training programs for juvenile justice workers with respect to adequate assessments of truants and their families. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]