Legal Definitions - PINS

PINS stands for Person In Need of Supervision.

A Person In Need of Supervision (PINS) is a legal classification used in some jurisdictions for a minor (typically someone under 18 years old) who has engaged in specific behaviors that, while not considered criminal offenses if committed by an adult, indicate a need for court intervention and supervision. These behaviors often include truancy (frequently skipping school), running away from home, or being habitually disobedient and beyond the control of their parents or guardians.

The primary goal of a PINS proceeding is not to punish the minor, but rather to provide support, guidance, and access to services that can help the child and their family. This might involve court-ordered counseling, family therapy, educational support, or other interventions designed to address the underlying issues contributing to the minor's behavior and ensure their well-being and proper development.

Here are a few examples illustrating when a minor might be classified as a PINS:

• Chronic Truancy: Imagine 15-year-old Alex, who has missed over 40 days of school this semester without a valid excuse, despite repeated attempts by his parents and the school to encourage attendance. The school, concerned about Alex's education and future, might initiate a PINS petition. This illustrates a PINS because Alex's persistent truancy, while not a criminal act, signifies a breakdown in his educational engagement and a need for court-ordered supervision and support to ensure he receives proper schooling.

• Repeatedly Running Away: Consider 13-year-old Maya, who has run away from home four times in the past three months, each time being found by law enforcement in different neighborhoods. Her parents are unable to prevent her from leaving and are deeply worried about her safety. They could file a PINS petition with the court. This demonstrates a PINS because Maya's repeated acts of running away, though not criminal for a minor, indicate she is beyond parental control and requires court intervention to ensure her safety and connect her with counseling or other services to address the reasons she is leaving home.

• Incorrigible Behavior: Take the case of 16-year-old Liam, who consistently defies his parents' reasonable rules, staying out all night without permission, refusing to communicate his whereabouts, and engaging in behaviors that put his safety at significant risk. His parents have exhausted all disciplinary measures and feel they have lost control. They might seek a PINS adjudication. This exemplifies a PINS because Liam's persistent disobedience and refusal to obey parental authority, while not criminal, show he is beyond the control of his guardians and requires court-ordered supervision and access to resources to help him make safer choices and improve family dynamics.