Children in Need of Support (CINS) Program

Children in Need of Supervision

Call 
301-265-8446 for assistance or 
more information about the CINS Program.

The Children in Need of Support (CINS) Program is a juvenile justice diversion program for youth ages 13-18. The goal of the program is to interrupt pre-delinquent behavior patterns and redirect youth in a positive direction to prevent them from entering the juvenile justice system or progressing further into the juvenile justice system.

The CINS program uses an evidence-based assessment called the Child and Family Adolescent Functional Assessment Survey to determine a family's strengths and needs and then develops a comprehensive Family Service Plan. The family is assigned a case manager to connect them to the appropriate community-based services to address the needs identified in the assessment.

The CINS program also provides an 8-week component for parents and the youth.

Parents learn about:

  • Vital parenting skills
  • How the adolescent brain develops and the impact it has on youth development
  • The effects of childhood trauma on parents and youth
  • Effective communication techniques
  • Effective discipline

Parents join a network of other parents traveling through similar journeys and become a support to one another.

Youth learn about:

  • Their brain development
  • Making healthy choices
  • How to communicate their feelings
  • Conflict resolution
  • Creating visions for their future
  • Various positive youth development skills

Youth learn appropriate ways to navigate through life's challenges in a healthy way.