Children in Need of Services (CHINS)
Understanding CHINS Cases
A CHINS (Child in Need of Services) case involves minors who require court intervention due to:
- Neglect, abuse, or abandonment by a parent/guardian
- Parental inability to provide supervision or essential services without court orders
- Status offenses (acts that are only illegal due to the child’s age, such as truancy)
The Legal Process
Key aspects of CHINS proceedings include:
- The child has a statutory right to court-appointed counsel
- Courts may grant custody to child welfare agencies if parental conditions don’t improve
- Ongoing judicial oversight with mandatory 6-month reviews
Our CHINS Services
We provide comprehensive legal support for:
- Parents defending against allegations of neglect or incapacity
- Children requiring advocacy in status offense cases
- Termination of parental rights proceedings
- Modification of court-ordered services or placements
Why Legal Representation Matters
CHINS cases directly impact family integrity and children’s futures. Our attorneys ensure:
- Due process protections for all parties
- Compliance with state-specific procedural requirements
- Focus on rehabilitative solutions over punitive measures