Section XI
PINS

XI PINS

Q. XI.1 What does PINS mean?
 

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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.