Legal Definitions - CHINS

CHINS stands for Child In Need of Supervision.

A Child In Need of Supervision (CHINS) is a legal designation for a minor who is exhibiting behaviors that suggest they are beyond the control of their parents or guardians, but these behaviors do not constitute criminal acts. Instead, CHINS cases typically involve issues such as chronic truancy from school, repeatedly running away from home, or persistent disobedience and defiance of parental authority. The primary goal of a CHINS petition is not to punish the child, but rather to involve the court system in providing supervision, support, and services to help the child and their family address underlying problems and ensure the child's well-being and safety.

Here are some examples illustrating when a CHINS petition might be filed:

• Example 1: Chronic Truancy

  A 14-year-old, Maya, has been consistently skipping school for several months, despite her parents' attempts to enforce attendance and the school's efforts to intervene. She often leaves for school in the morning but never arrives, spending her days at a friend's house or wandering around town. Her parents are concerned about her education and safety but feel powerless to make her attend. In this situation, the school or Maya's parents might file a CHINS petition, asking the court to intervene and order Maya to attend school, potentially also mandating counseling for Maya and her family to address the root causes of her truancy.

• Example 2: Repeatedly Running Away

  David, a 16-year-old, has run away from home three times in the past two months, staying with various friends or sometimes sleeping outdoors. Each time, his parents have located him and brought him home, but he continues to leave without permission, often after arguments about household rules or his curfew. His parents are worried about his safety and exposure to dangerous situations. They could file a CHINS petition, seeking court involvement to provide structure, supervision, and access to services like family therapy or individual counseling to help David and his family resolve their conflicts and ensure he remains in a safe environment.

• Example 3: Persistent Disobedience and Unmanageability

  Sarah, a 15-year-old, consistently defies her parents' reasonable rules, such as refusing to come home by curfew, staying out all night without permission, and engaging in risky behaviors like underage drinking. Her parents have tried various disciplinary methods and sought advice from school counselors, but Sarah's behavior has not improved, leading to significant family conflict and concern for her well-being. Feeling unable to control her behavior and ensure her safety, Sarah's parents might file a CHINS petition. This would allow the court to order Sarah to comply with certain rules, attend counseling, or participate in other programs designed to help her make better choices and improve family dynamics.