XI PINS
Q. XI.1 What does PINS mean?
Q. XI.1 What does PINS mean?
A. PINS stands for Person In Need of Supervision.
A PINS petition can be filed in the Family Court against a minor
under the age of 18 who is alleged to be incorrigible, truant from
school, and beyond the lawful control of his/her parents. Usually
the petition is filed by a parent, guardian, or school official, but
the petition can also be filed by the police as well.
A PINS, according to Family Court Act
712(a), is defined as a person under the age of 18, who does not
attend school regularly although required to do so, or who is
incorrigible, ungovernable, or habitually disobedient, and beyond
the lawful control of his/her parents, or is guilty of unlawful
possession of marijuana. A minor found to be a PINS may be placed on
probation or in a residential program. The case may also be
adjourned in contemplation of dismissal or the PINS may receive a
suspended judgement.
