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
It is designed to bring together resources to help families (troubled children aged 10-17 and their parents) remedy self-destructive behaviors by juveniles and/or other family members.
goal
FINS’ goals are to reduce formal juvenile court involvement while generating appropriate community services to benefit the child and improve family relations.
When Should F.I.N.S. Assistance Be Requested?
If a child is Truant (has excessive unexcused absences) and/or Repeatedly Violates School Rules
If a child is Ungovernable
If a child is a Runaway
If a child has Committed a Status Offense: gambling, curfew violations, possessed or consumed alcohol, used tobacco products, deceived age to purchase such products
Child under age 10 committed an act which if committed by an adult would be a crime under federal, state, or local law
If a caretaker has caused, encouraged, or contributed to a child’s delinquent behavior
If, after notice, a caretaker has willfully failed to attend school meetings to discuss serious educational issues (truancy, behavior problems, learning disabilities)
Cyber bullying
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?
Preliminary investigation into 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 F.I.N.S. Officer?
The F.I.N.S. 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.
15th JDC FINS (Acadia, Lafayette and Vermilion Parishes)
FINS Officer is:
Ms. Mary LeBlanc
P O Box 2603
Lafayette, LA 70502
Phone: 337-269-4663
Fax: 337-269-4717
e-mail: mary.laf.fins@15thjdc.org
FINS Secretary (Acadia, Lafayette and Vermilion Parishes)
Tanya Broussard
e-mail: