FINS - Families in Need of Services — 21st Judicial District Court

Families in need of service (fins)

WHAT IS FINS?
Families In Need of Services (FINS) became effective in all courts having juvenile jurisdiction on July 1, 1994, as Title VII of the Louisiana Children’s Code.

PURPOSE:
FINS is designed to assist troubled children (K - 12th grade) and their families by providing information about various community resources making appropriate referrals.

GOAL:
The goal of FINS is to reduce the number of children involved in formal juvenile court by referring children and families to necessary services and programs, such as counseling, substance abuse treatment, tutoring, and many more. A FINS officer will monitor each family’s case regularly to ensure that all services and referrals are making a positive difference.

WHEN SHOULD FINS ASSISTANCE BE REQUESTED?

Some of the most common reasons:

If a child is truant and/or repeatedly violates school rules
If a child is a runaway
If a child is ungovernable
If a child has committed an act which, if committed by an adult, would be a crime under federal, state, or local law. Such acts include but are not limited to gambling, curfew violations, alcohol possession or consumption, and tobacco use.
If a caretaker has caused, encouraged, or contributed to a child’s delinquent behavior.

For additional reasons:

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HOW DOES FINS WORK?
The FINS process begins with a written complaint submitted to the FINS Officer.

WHO CAN MAKE THE WRITTEN COMPLAINT?

LAW ENFORCEMENT
PARENTS/CARETAKERS
SCHOOL OFFICIALS
DISTRICT ATTORNEY/JUDGES

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

A preliminary investigation into the complaint (Screening/Referral Form)
Conduct conference with family and responsible agencies
Initiate Informal Family Service Plan Agreement (IFSPA)
Monitor compliance with IFSPA
Refer only non-compliant families to court

WHO IS THE FINS OFFICER?
The FINS Officer (or Coordinator) serves as a neutral third party, which helps to resolve individual/family conflict, by identifying problem areas and coordinating services without formal court intervention.