Let’s talk about CHINS Cases
In Indiana, there’s a special kind of “Child in Need of Services” case. Everyone calls them “CHINS” for short. These are the most common kinds of cases you’re likely to encounter after visiting the CAC.
CHINS cases are all about you and your safety. And they go quickly by law!
Fact-finding within 60 days A court date is scheduled shortly after Periodic review hearings to check in on everyone are scheduled every 6-12 weeks A final permanency hearing is set within a year The whole thing is usually done in just a few months. And a CHINS case may occur at the same time as a criminal or family court case.CHINS cases start when DCS thinks you might be in danger because of:
You’ll meet two people in CHINS cases
Your attorney
Don’t worry, you don’t have to pay for this. But you’ll meet your own lawyer. This person’s whole job is to represent you in court, just like on TV.
Your attorney represents what you want. Their job is to make all the legal arguments for what you want to happen in your life.
If you want to go live with your grandma, your attorney’s job is to make that argument and handle the paperwork.
Your “GAL” or “CASA”
“Guardian Ad Litem” is an old timey legal phrase. Most people just call them “GALs”. These are specially trained professionals. Or you might have a CASA, “Court Appointed Special Advocate.” These are volunteers.
Your GAL/CASA will meet with you, your parents, family, and even with DCS. In fact, one of their jobs is to make sure DCS and your family is paying attention to everything!
GALs and CASAS report to the Judge what’s happening. If your parents aren’t living up to a safe home, tell your attorney or your GAL/CASA.
After a case ends, a judge will decide:
(called a TPR petition, or “terminate parental rights”).
