Children in Need of Services (CHINS)

Understanding CHINS Cases

A CHINS case involves minors who require court intervention due to:

• Neglect, abuse, or abandonment
• Parental inability to provide supervision or essential services without court orders
• Status offenses (acts only illegal due to age, such as truancy)

The Legal Process

• The child has a statutory right to court-appointed counsel
• Courts may grant custody to child welfare agencies if conditions do not improve
• Ongoing judicial oversight with periodic reviews

Our CHINS Services

• Defense for parents against allegations
• Advocacy for children in status offense cases
• Termination of parental rights proceedings
• Modification of court-ordered services or placements

Why Legal Representation Matters

• Due process protections for all parties
• Compliance with state-specific procedural requirements
• Focus on rehabilitative, child-centered outcomes