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What is FINS

FINS Referral Form

FAMILIES IN NEED OF SERVICES
15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

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

15th JDC FINS Referral Form

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: [email protected]

FINS Secretary (Acadia, Lafayette and Vermilion Parishes)
Kelsey Hebert
e-mail: [email protected]