Family Court Attorney in New York

Person in Need of Supervision (PINS) Cases

There are particular situations where a child may be considered a Person In Need of Supervision (PINS). This may include cases where a child will not attend school, displays dangerous behavior or is out of the parents' control. A parent, legal guardian, police officer, school representative or person who has been injured by the child may file a petition with the New York Family Court in order to begin PINS proceedings, seeking supervision for the child. A fact-finding hearing will be held, where witnesses and evidence may be brought before the Family Court judge, who will decide whether the proceedings have merit. Depending on the results of the initial hearing, the judge may schedule a dispositional hearing to determine whether the child is in fact a Person In Need of Supervision. If the child is determined to be in need of supervision, the judge may order placement in a foster group home or social service facility or may place the child on probation. Community service, restitution or treatment/rehabilitation may also be ordered.

Working with an experienced New York Family Court lawyer is one of the most important things you can do if a petition has been filed against your child. An experienced attorney can protect your child's rights and interests in PINS proceedings to help avoid placement in a foster group home or other grave consequences.

PINS (Person In Need of Supervision) Proceedings in New York

When a family requests PINS services, they will first be seen by the Family Court Assessment Program, which is run by the Administration for Children’s Services and the NYC Department of Probation. This program may help a family settle a matter outside of Family Court without placing a child in foster care through a PINS petition.

Just like an adult, your child has the right to an attorney in PINS proceedings. Make sure you act quickly and work with a competent lawyer who can help your child in this difficult process. Contact a New York Family Court Attorney at the Law Offices of Brian D. Perskin today – we have more than 40 years of experience to apply to your case.