In Germany, penalties such as fines or police action are imposed for noncompliance with compulsory schooling. However, formal administrative procedures are often deemed inadequate by experts who advocate for school-wide multidimensional support in addressing school absenteeism. We analyze guidance documents of different federal states, examining their emphasis on formal and school-wide strategies. We specifically explore the report of Schleswig-Holstein to demonstrate the shifting focus from punitive measures to more supportive approaches in addressing absenteeism.