JUVENILE DELINQUENCY PREVENTION | MERRIMACK COUNTY

CHINS ("child in need of services") is a legal process governed by state statute (RSA 169-D) that helps to address specific behavioral problems of children under the age of 18, specifically, a child who is expressly found to be:

• Habitually, willfully, and without good and sufficient cause, truant

from school; OR

• Habitually running away from home; OR
• Repeatedly disregarding the reasonable and lawful commands of his/her parents, guardian or custodian and placing himself/ herself or others in unsafe circumstances; AND
• Is expressly found to be in need of care, guidance, counseling, discipline, supervision, treatment, or rehabilitation as a consequence of one or more of the preceding behaviors.

Additionally, a CHINS petition may be filed when a child has committed willful repeated or habitual conduct constituting offenses that would be violations (but not felonies or misdemeanors) under the Criminal Code of this state if committed by a person 17 years of age or over, OR willful repeated or habitual conduct constituting offenses that would be violations or misdemeanors (but not felonies) under the Motor Vehicle Code of this state if committed by a person 16 years old or older. (Note: Only a law enforcement officer or prosecutor should file a CHINS petition under these sections.) WHEN IS A CHINS APPROPRIATE? A CHINS petition may only be filed by a parent/guardian/custodian when the following conditions have been met (RSA 169-D:5, III)

• The child and family have sought to resolve the expressed problem through available community alternatives,
• The problem still remains, AND
• Court intervention is needed to resolve the problem.

You must utilize and exhaust other existing remedies and resources before seeking court intervention. The back of this pamphlet lists some information and referral resources. You may also explore the following website: http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/DHHS/DHHS_SITE/default.htm. CHINS WITHOUT COURT INVOLVEMENT: If all other remedies and resources have not been exhausted, a local Juvenile Probation & Parole Officer (JPPO) who is familiar with local resources may suggest alternatives. This does not involve the court. Call the DCYF Central Intake Line (800-894-5533) to request this alternative. For other options, contact your local police department and ask to speak to your police department's Juvenile Officer.

05/15/2014