Child in Need of Services (C.H.I.N.S.)
Sometimes it is necessary to remove a child from the home. If the parent(s)/guardians are having serious issues with their child that they cannot work out while the youth is living in the home, they can file what is called a "CHINS" petition. The child, parent, or DSHS may file a CHINS petition. A "parent" is defined as the person(s) having legal right to custody of the child and includes custodian or guardian.The purpose of a CHINS petition is to temporarily place a child outside of the home in an attempt to repair family relationships and ensure child safety. This temporary placement is only able to last nine months and the petitioning party must provide a placement. Under a CHINS petition, the parent and the child are required to attend counseling, which includes family and individual counseling. Visitation between the parents and child occurs, along with a host of other possible services, to seek family reconciliation at the end of the nine-month period.
A child in need of services is defined by statute as a child under the age of 18 who meets at least one of the following three requirements:
The first step in filing for a CHINS petition is to download the packet below, or pick up the petition packet in the reception area of the Juvenile Probation Department, located upstairs in the Snohomish County Juvenile Court at 2801 10th Street, Everett WA 98201. You will also need to schedule an appointment with the Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) office at DSHS 1-800-609-8764 Days, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1-800-562-5624 After hours, 4:30 p.m.-8 a.m. (request an appointment for intake and assessment). The intake caseworker will prepare a Family Assessment at the appointment.
Make sure to request a copy of the family assessment and attach it to the petition prior to filing.
The Court needs a copy of the FRS assessment before proceeding with the hearing.
Complete the petition following the directions in the packet. If you need help ask the receptionist to connect you with someone that can assist you. Upon the filing of a CHINS petition, the child may be placed, if not already placed, by DSHS in a crisis residential center, foster family home, licensed group home facility, or any other suitable residence to be determined by DSHS.
Talk to the court and review your instuctions in the packet for a full explaination of the CHINS order.
If you are comfortable filling out court paperwork on your own, the forms for download are available below:
A child in need of services is defined by statute as a child under the age of 18 who meets at least one of the following three requirements:
- Is beyond parental control such that the child's behavior endangers the health, safety, or welfare of the child or other person; or
- Has been reported to law enforcement as absent without consent for at least 24 consecutive hours from the parent's home, a crisis residential center, an out-of-home placement, or a court-ordered placement on two or more separate occasions; and
- Has exhibited a serious substance abuse problem; or
- Has exhibited behaviors that create a serious risk of harm to the health, safety, or welfare of the child or any other person; or
- Is in need of necessary services, including food, shelter, health care, clothing, educational, or services designed to maintain or reunite the family; and
- Lacks access to or has declined to utilize these services; and
- Whose parents have evidenced continuing but unsuccessful efforts to maintain the family structure or are unable or unwilling to continue efforts to maintain the family structure.
The first step in filing for a CHINS petition is to download the packet below, or pick up the petition packet in the reception area of the Juvenile Probation Department, located upstairs in the Snohomish County Juvenile Court at 2801 10th Street, Everett WA 98201. You will also need to schedule an appointment with the Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) office at DSHS 1-800-609-8764 Days, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1-800-562-5624 After hours, 4:30 p.m.-8 a.m. (request an appointment for intake and assessment). The intake caseworker will prepare a Family Assessment at the appointment.
Make sure to request a copy of the family assessment and attach it to the petition prior to filing.
The Court needs a copy of the FRS assessment before proceeding with the hearing.
Complete the petition following the directions in the packet. If you need help ask the receptionist to connect you with someone that can assist you. Upon the filing of a CHINS petition, the child may be placed, if not already placed, by DSHS in a crisis residential center, foster family home, licensed group home facility, or any other suitable residence to be determined by DSHS.
Talk to the court and review your instuctions in the packet for a full explaination of the CHINS order.
If you are comfortable filling out court paperwork on your own, the forms for download are available below: