WHAT IS A CHINS PETITION?
In the State of New Hampshire, CHINS is an abbreviation for "Child In Need of Services". Acts that qualify as "delinquent" are excluded from the CHINS definition.
A CHINS is a child who is:
- Subject to compulsory school attendance (between ages 6 and 18 as of June 1, 2009) and who is habitually, willfully and without good and sufficient cause, truant from school;
- Under 18 years of age and who habitually runs away from home;
- Under 18 years of age and who repeatedly disregards the reasonable and lawful commands of his or her parents, guardian or custodian and places himself or herself or others in unsafe circumstances;
- Under 17 years of age and exhibits willful repeated or habitual conduct that is equivalent to violations of the criminal laws of this state if committed by an adult (excluding felonies and misdemeanors);
- Under 16 years of age and exhibits willful repeated or habitual conduct that is prohibited by the motor vehicle laws, including motor vehicle violations and misdemeanors (excludes certain motor vehicle felonies); and
- Is found to be in need of care, guidance, counseling, discipline, supervision, treatment or rehabilitation.
Why a Pre-CHINS Program?
Before a parent, police department of school decides to file a CHINS petition, CDP is offering a Pre-CHINS program as an alternative to court. This will allow the families to better understand what is causing the behaviors that have brought them to this point and work to connect youth and families to appropriate services in their community.
What can you expect from the program?
1. An assessment to include the GAIN-Quick (Global Appraisal of Individual Needs). The results of this assessment will be shared with the child and parent/guardian and will be used to help develop the family contract and make referrals to outside organizations when necessary.
2. A family interview meeting to determine contract obligations based on the results of the assessment. This contract may include, but is not limited to: CDP services, referrals to outside agencies, a more intensive assessment and home/community behavior expectations. A copy of this contract will be mailed to the referral source.
3. A 10-15 minute check in with CDP every Monday between 3:30 - 5:00 to review contract progress and to discuss any issues at home.
4. A final report with recommendations at the completion of the program.
Who can make a referral to the program?
Anyone can make a referral. The program is intended to be a first step for parents, police, schools and other concerned about a child.
Is there a Fee for this service?
There is a $100.00 fee to participate in the Pre-CHINS program. This is based on a sliding scale and NO FAMILY IS EVER DENIED SERVICES BASED ON THEIR ABILITY TO PAY.
