Truant teen

Does anyone have any experience with their teen having to go through the juvenile court system for school avoidance/truancy, particularly in Massachusetts? I know each situation is different, and a representative from the DA’s office did explain some things to us in a meeting at the school, but I’m just trying to get a more general idea of what to expect with the process from parents who’ve actually gone through it.

I’ve personally been working with the school & trying very hard to help with improving this situation with my son, who’s 15, which they (the school) seem to acknowledge & praise. However, and unfortunately, my son seriously lacks interest & motivation in school, and we’re now at the point of the school filing a CRA (Child Requesting Assistance). He swears he’s not having any issues with anyone at school. He just says that he simply “doesn’t like school”, it’s “boring”, “pointless”, and he “doesn’t want to sit there for 6+ hours”. I highly suspect he also struggles with some anxiety & depression (I struggle with these myself, so I recognize the signs), but he refuses any type of counseling, including telehealth, or even just talking with or spending time with close male relatives. The school guidance department even tried setting him up with an upper class man senior mentor, but he hasn’t seemed interested in that either-considering he would have to be in school more regularly in order to see the mentor.

And, before anyone asks, yes, I’ve tried taking his things (phone, PlayStation) away. They get taken each time he doesn’t go to school. The problem is that by the end of the school day (around 3pm, 4 the latest), he’s asking for them back & if I don’t give them back (or at least one of them) within, say, an hour, he starts becoming increasingly irritated… to the point where he either starts purposely annoying the hell out of all us, including his little sister which ends up making her cry, whine or yell, or he gets angry & will bang on things in his room or throw things around in there. And, it gets to a point where we can’t stand it anymore & just give him the stuff back to finally have some peace. So, he’s definitely very manipulative as well & knows how to push our buttons to get what he wants at times. Obviously, this needs to change, but it’s just not that easy when you’re in the thick of it 🥴

So, yea any experiences, or even just any NON-judgmental advice or words of encouragement are very appreciated! I already feel embarrassed & ashamed enough about all of this 😔😔 so I definitely don’t need or want anyone else’s negativity!!

Thanks! 💜