A "PINS", or Person in need of Supervision, is a child under the age of 18 who does not attend school or is incorrigible, ungovernable or habitually disobedient and beyond the lawful control of a parent or guardian.  The Probation Department meets with the child and the complaining party before a PINS case is filed in the Family Court.  The Probation Department attempts to "divert" the case, so that there is no need for the Court's involvement. Probation may recommend referrals to various community or governmental programs which may be able to help the child. If the diversion is not successful, the complaining party can then file a PINS petition with the Court.  An attorney may be hired to represent the child or the court will assign an attorney (law guardian).

A PINS petition may be filed by a parent, guardian, peace officer, a person who has been injured by the child, or by a school.  The PINS petition contains allegations of the child's behavior and asks the court to find that the child is in need of supervision.

The court may conditionally discharge the child subject to certain conditions as the court determines are appropriate, put the child on probation for up to two years, with a possible extension of one additional year, or place the child in his or her own home, with a suitable relative or other person, or Commission of Social Services.

A parent's responsibility may involve participating in a family assessment.  The parent will be expected to make every attempt to resolve the problem using available resources in the community.  The parent may seek legal counsel.  The parent may also be financially responsible for the child's care if he or she is placed outside of the parent's come.

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