A person in need of supervision (PINS) or a child in need of supervision (CHINS) is a legal term used to describe a child or adolescent who is deemed to be in need of supervision, care, or protection due to their behavior or circumstances.
The term is used in juvenile justice systems and family court systems to describe children and adolescents who are at risk of harm or who have engaged in delinquent or other problematic behavior.
Some examples of behaviors that may result in a child being declared a PINS or CHINS include:
- Running away from home
- Skipping school
- Truancy
- Delinquent behavior, such as vandalism or theft
- Substance abuse
- Inability to live with their parents or guardians
- Incorrigibility
When a child is declared a PINS or CHINS, they may be placed in a supervised setting, such as a group home or foster care, or they may be placed on probation or some other form of supervision.
The goal of PINS or CHINS proceedings is to provide the child with the services and support needed to address their underlying issues and prevent further delinquent behavior.
It’s worth noting that the laws and regulations regarding PINS and CHINS vary by jurisdiction, and it’s important to check the specific laws in your area to understand your rights and responsibilities if your child has been declared a PINS or CHINS.
What is PINS Family Court?
PINS stands for “Persons In Need of Supervision.” PINS Family Court is a court that handles cases involving minors (persons under the age of 18) who are deemed to be in need of supervision or in need of services.
These cases may involve issues such as truancy, delinquency, or problems at home. The goal of PINS Family Court is to provide support and services to the child and their family in order to address the underlying issues and prevent further problems.
What is a PINS Petition?
A PINS petition is a legal document filed in Family Court that initiates a case involving a minor who is deemed to be in need of supervision or in need of services. The petition is typically filed by a parent, guardian, school official, or other concerned parties.
It sets forth the specific allegations or concerns regarding the child’s behavior and requests that the court take action to address the issues and provide the necessary support and services to the child and their family. The PINS petition is the first step in the PINS Family Court process.
Who Can File a PINS Petition?
A PINS petition can be filed by a parent, guardian, or other people legally responsible for a child, as well as by a school official or a police officer. The petition is filed with the family court in the county where the child resides, and it alleges that the child is unruly, disobedient, or beyond the control of the person responsible for their care.
The purpose of a PINS petition is to get the child the help and services they need to address the issues that are causing their behavior.
Is this the Same as a PINS Warrant?
No, a PINS petition and a PINS warrant are not the same things.
A PINS petition is a legal document that is filed with the family court by a parent, guardian, school official, or police officer.
The petition alleges that a child is unruly, disobedient, or beyond the control of the person responsible for their care, and it is used to get the child the help and services they need to address the issues that are causing their behavior.
A PINS warrant, on the other hand, is a court order issued by a judge, typically in response to a PINS petition.
The warrant authorizes the police to take the child into custody and bring them before a judge for a hearing.
The warrant can be issued if the child is not in school and has no legal guardian or if the child is believed to be a danger to themselves or others.
The PINS warrant is a way to locate and bring the child before the court to address their situation and provide services, but is not the same as the PINS petition, which is the initial document filed to request the court to intervene.
Who Qualifies as a Person in Need of Supervision?
A person in need of supervision is typically a child or adolescent who has exhibited behavior that is considered unruly, disobedient, or beyond the control of the person responsible for their care.
The specific criteria for determining whether a child is a PINS can vary by state or jurisdiction, but generally, a child or adolescent may be considered a PINS if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- They frequently run away from home or are beyond the control of their parent or guardian.
- They frequently disobey the reasonable and lawful commands of their parent or guardian.
- They are habitually truant from school.
- They commit acts that would be considered crimes if committed by an adult.
- They are beyond the control of the school and unable to be educated in a regular classroom setting.
It’s important to note that being a PINS is not a criminal offense, but rather a status that allows the court to provide additional services and support to the child and their family to address their behavior and improve their well-being.
What Happens Once a PINS Petition Is Filed?
Once a PINS petition is filed with the family court, several things can happen:
- The court will schedule a hearing: The child and their parent or guardian will be notified of the hearing date and time, and they will be required to attend. The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether the child meets the criteria for being a PINS, and to determine what services or interventions are needed to address the child’s behavior.
- The child may be taken into custody: If the child is believed to be a danger to themselves or others, or if they are not in school and have no legal guardian, the court may issue a PINS warrant, which authorizes the police to take the child into custody and bring them before a judge for a hearing.
- Services and interventions may be ordered: If the court determines that the child is a PINS, it may order a variety of services and interventions to address the child’s behavior and improve their well-being. These may include counseling, therapy, mentoring, or other services provided by the Department of Social Services, probation or other county agencies.
- The case may be dismissed: If the court determines that the child does not meet the criteria for being a PINS, the case may be dismissed and no further action will be taken.
It’s important to note that the goal of a PINS case is to provide the child and their family with the necessary resources and support to address the child’s behavior and improve their well-being.
The court works closely with the child and their family to develop a plan that addresses the child’s needs and helps them to succeed.
What is PINS Probation?
PINS probation is a form of supervision that is ordered by the court for children and adolescents who have been determined to be PINS. It is a way to provide additional support and services to the child and their family to address the issues that are causing their behavior.
When a child is placed on PINS probation, they are required to comply with certain conditions set by the court, such as attending counseling or therapy, participating in community service, or staying in school.
The child is also typically required to meet regularly with a probation officer, who will monitor the child’s progress and ensure that they are complying with the conditions of their probation.
The goal of PINS probation is to provide the child with the necessary resources and support to address their behavior and improve their well-being. The court works closely with the child, their family, and other service providers to develop a plan that addresses the child’s needs and helps them to succeed.
It’s important to note that PINS probation is not a criminal sentence and it does not result in a criminal record. It is a form of supervision provided to children and adolescents to help them address the issues that are causing their behavior and improve their well-being.
Do I Need an Attorney to Help Me File a PINS Petition?
It is not a requirement to have a juvenile lawyer to file a PINS petition, however, having an attorney can help ensure that the process goes smoothly and that the best interests of the child are protected.
An attorney can provide guidance and advice on how to properly draft and file the PINS petition, and can also represent the parent, guardian or other person filing the petition in court. They can help explain the legal process, the potential outcomes, and the rights of the child and their family.
They can also provide legal representation during the hearing and advocate for the child and their family’s position and needs.
Additionally, an attorney can also help to negotiate a disposition that is in the best interests of the child, such as a referral to services that will address the child’s needs, and can help to protect the child’s rights and interests throughout the case.
Although hiring an attorney is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended if possible, as it can help to ensure that the child’s best interests are protected and that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
