AT-Risk Youth

At-Risk Youth is a proceeding designed to assist and support parents with children who are out of control. Before an At-Risk Youth case can be filed, the following situation must exist:

1. The child must be younger than 18 years old;
2. The child must also:
   • Have been absent from home for at least 72 consecutive hours without the parent’s consent, OR
   • Be beyond parental control such that the child’s behavior endangers the health, safety, or welfare of the child or another person, OR
   • Have a substance abuse problem for which there are no pending criminal charges related to the substance abuse.

A family assessment must be completed prior to filing any petition. This is done through the Department of Children and Family Services. A copy of this assessment must be attached to the petition and filed with the court. Contact the intake number at (800) 974-4435 to request services.

If the judge finds that the child is at risk based on the above criteria, the judge may enter a court order assisting the parents in maintaining care, custody and control of the child and may impose conditions of supervision on the child. The court may also order the parent/child to participate in counseling or other services. The court order will also address issues such as curfew, school attendance and drug or alcohol use. Failure to obey the Court’s order can result in detention, community service work, or fine.

The court order in an AT RISK YOUTH proceeding can remain in effect up to NINE MONTHS.

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Child in Need of Services (CHINS)

This proceeding asks the judge to place the child outside of the family home for the purposes of treatment. Before a CHINS case can be started, the following situation must exist:

1. The child must be younger than 18 years old;
2. The child must also:
   • Be beyond parental control such that the child's behavior endangers the health, safety, and welfare of the child or another person, OR;
   • Have been reported as a runaway for more than 24 consecutive hours AND have a serious substance abuse problem or exhibit behaviors that create a risk of harm to the child or others, OR

The Department of Children and Family Services may file on behalf of the child if the following exists:

1. The child is in need of necessary services, lacks access to or has declined to use the services, and has parents who have made unsuccessful efforts to maintain the family structure.

A family assessment must be completed prior to filing any petition. This is done through the Department of Children and Family Services. A copy of this assessment must be attached to the petition and filed with the court. Contact the intake number at (800) 974-4435 to request services.

If the judge finds that the child is in need of services based on the above criteria, the judge may enter a court order placing the child in an out-of-home placement. The court may also order the parent/child to participate in counseling or other services to assist in reconciliation and returning the child to the home. The court order will also address issues such curfew, school attendance, and drug or alcohol use. Failure to obey the Court’s order can result in detention, community service work, or fine.

The court order in a CHINS case can remain in effect up to NINE MONTHS.

A CHINS proceeding does not affect the parent's financial responsibility for the child.