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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]
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