Skip to Main Content

Understanding CHINS (Child in Need of Services)

CHINS stands for Child in Need of Services. It is a legal approach in Georgia designed to address the needs of at-risk youth. The goal is to provide supervision, treatment, and guidance to prevent children from entering the delinquency (criminal) system.

To be designated as a CHINS, a child must be in clear need of care, guidance, counseling, structure, supervision, treatment, or rehabilitation AND meet at least one of the specific behavioral criteria listed below.

Criteria for Intervention

A child may be eligible for CHINS services if they are:

  • Habitually Truant: Frequently absent from school without a valid excuse.

  • Ungovernable: Habitually disobedient to the reasonable commands of their parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

  •  Runaway: Has left home without permission.

  • A Status Offender: Has committed an offense that is only illegal because of their age (e.g., underage tobacco use).

  • Violating Curfew: Wanders or loiters in streets, highways, or public places between the hours of 12:00 A.M. and 5:00 A.M.

  • Violating Supervision: Disobeys the terms of a previous court order directed at the child.

  • Involved with Alcohol: Possesses alcoholic beverages or patronizes a bar (without a parent/guardian) where alcohol is sold.

  • Needing Supervision (Not Treatment): Has committed a delinquent act and requires supervision, but does not necessarily require institutional treatment or rehabilitation.

The Complaint Process

Who can file a CHINS Complaint? A complaint is the initial legal document that describes the situation and explains why court intervention is necessary. It can be filed by:

  • The child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

  • A Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) employee.

  • A school official.

  • A law enforcement officer.

  • An attorney.

Where to File: In this jurisdiction, complaints are processed through the Long County Juvenile Court.

What Services Are Provided?

The purpose of CHINS is to assist the family, not just punish the child. Services typically include:

  1. Assessment: Gathering information to understand the specific needs of the family and the root causes of the behavior.

  2. Crisis Counseling: Immediate support to de-escalate family conflicts.

  3. Resource Referrals: Connecting the family with public and private providers for:

    • Individual or family counseling.

    • Substance abuse assessments and treatment.

    • Parenting classes and training.

    • After-school tutoring and summer enrichment programs.

  4. Court Coordination: Staffing the case with the Long County Juvenile Court CHINS Coordinator to monitor compliance.

  5. Reporting: Making formal recommendations and reporting progress back to the Court.

Essential Resources & Links

Note: If you have the specific PDF file for the Long County CHINS Complaint form, please ensure you hyperlink the text below before publishing or printing.

[Click here to download the CHINS Complaint Form]