Child In Need of Services/Supervision (CHINS) Program

The Child in Need of Services/Supervision (CHINS) program is offered in partnership between the Rappahannock Area Office on Youth and the Spotsylvania Court Service Unit.  The CHINS program was designed for children and parents that are going through difficult times.  The CHINS Program offers comprehensive services for at-risk youths and their families.  It offers an opportunity to explore options before a family situation ends up in court.

Child in Need of Services refers to a child whose behavior, conduct or condition presents or results in a serious threat to the well-being and physical safety of the child.

Child in Need of Supervision refers to a child who is repeatedly truant from school, repeatedly runs away from home or repeatedly disobeys his/her parents/guardians or other authorities.

The CHINS Program understands that the issues often faced by families experiencing such difficulties are multifaceted, high in tension, and crisis oriented.  It is important to develop communication and service links between the family, schools, and service providers, and to directly inform families of their pre-court options.

The CHINS Program attempts to empower parents and divert cases from becoming 'officially' involved in the court system.  The primary focus of the program is to maintain the safety of the child and the integrity of the family.  The CHINS Program is committed to serving, protecting, and advocating for children and families and strives to heal the troubled lives of children and families.

Eligibility Guidelines:

• Truancy
• Running Away
• Not following the reasonable rules of parents/guardians or authority
• Experiencing consistent problems in school
• Early signs of alcohol or other drug use
• Not involved in the Juvenile Court

Services Provided to CHINS Clients:

• A risk/need assessment
• Development of a service plan or contract
• Supervision of cases
• Recreation/Leisure Activities
• Community Service Work Component
• Case Management Services

How Do I Get Involved?
The CHINS program is accessed through referrals from the Spotsylvania Court Services Unit (CSU).  Once our office receives the referral then we will contact the family for an initial interview.  The goal of the interview is to begin to identify the services and resources available to assist the family in their current situation.

Steps:

1. Get referral from Spotsylvania CSU;
   
2. Assessment identifies areas of weakness and strengths that assist in the development of the contract;
   - Provides baseline indicator of risk/needs
   - Youth Completes YLS-CMI upon meeting CHINS Officer
   
3. A Contract is developed between CHINS officer, youth, and youth's family;
   - Goals are developed to identify what youth and family must address to improve their living situation and be successful in the program
   - Sanctions/Incentives are developed and reviewed using Graduated Sanctions/Incentives
   

If you need more information about the CHINS Program, contact one of our CHINS Coordinators, Lorraine or John, at 540.372.1149, or by email (lorraine@officeonyouth.org), or download a brochure.

Get a CHINS Brochure