QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What is the Florida Network and how does it help kids?
What is Children and Families In Need of Services CINS/FINS?
What types of services are provided by Florida Network agencies?
How can I find who provides services in my community?
Will local CINS/FINS programs accept referrals from other agencies?
How are the services funded?
Is there a charge for services?
What are the laws that relate to CINS/FINS services and related topics?
What is the Florida Network and how does it help kids?
The Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a not for profit statewide association representing
agencies which serve homeless, runaway and troubled youth ages ten and older and their families. The Network is
committed to promoting policies and practices that hold our member agencies accountable for preventing delinquency
and child abuse through the strengthening of youth and families.
The Network offers many services including: advocacy for youth, public policy development, public education, data collection and research, and training and technical assistance.
In addition, the 21 private, non-profit community agencies of the Florida Network operate 28 youth crisis shelters as part of a continuum of services for children ages 10 to 17 years of age and their parents. An additional eleven (11) non-profit community-based providers/agencies provide only non-residential services in seven of the largest urban counties in the state.
What is CINS/FINS?
CINS/FINS (Children-in-Need-of Services and Families-In-Need-of-Services) are mandated and defined in Chapter 984, F.S. and Chapter 1003.27(3), F.S. These statutes provide for round-the-clock crisis counseling and shelter for runaway, ungovernable, troubled and/or habitually truant children (ages 10-17) and their families and court procedures when needed. Children who are adjudicated dependent or delinquent are not eligible for services. The Florida Network provides CINS/FINS services through contract with the Department of Juvenile Justice.
The intent of Children and Families in Need of Services (CINS/FINS) is to divert children who commit status offenses from entering the child welfare or juvenile justice systems.
What types of services are provided by Florida Network agencies?
The primary goal of a CINS/FINS program is to provide services to pre-delinquent youth and their families in an effort to prevent entry in to the juvenile justice system or other government care. It is important to remember that CINS/FINS services are a part of the prevention continuum for youth and families that are not involved in the delinquency or dependency system(s). With the exception of court-ordered CINS youth, the services are voluntary in nature. The youth receiving services, including those in shelter care, are not in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice or the Department of Children and Families, but rather remain in the custody of the parent(s)/guardian(s).
The services provided by CINS/FINS programs, include, but are not limited to, the items described below:
Outreach - Outreach services to youth, families and the community through public education about available services, presentations, brochures, website, etc.
Centralized Intake - Access to CINS/FINS is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The components of centralized intake includes the screening for eligibility and intake assessment of the youth and family. When a child is screened and determined to be eligible, admission to either emergency shelter care or non-residential CINS/FINS services will take place. If the initial screening reveals a history of a longstanding health, mental health or substance abuse condition, brief services will be offered until a referral to more appropriate services can be made. If the screening determines that the child is not eligible for CINS/FINS services, the referring individual will be given information regarding other community services that are more appropriate for his/her needs and/or encouraged to contact the child's juvenile justice or child welfare contact person. All CINS/FINS agencies maintain interagency agreements with other community-based service providers to connect clients with desired services and provide an effective continuum of care.
The admission process provides eligible children and their families with the least restrictive services that are responsive to their individual needs. Once eligibility is determined and the youth is admitted to services, a complete psychosocial assessment is conducted of the child to determine his or her most immediate needs and presenting problems. The counselor develops a service plan that provides for individual, group and family counseling, as well as specialized services that may be needed from community schools, medical clinics, vocational or other programs.
Shelter Services - If it is not possible for the child to remain at home, he or she is admitted to the crisis shelter. Shelter services are intended to be short-term, are primarily voluntary and include meeting the basic needs of the child and providing services, such as case management, and counseling. The purpose and function of the shelter is to provide respite from volatile family situations, to offer a safe place for children on the street and to work with the family for the child's safe return and improved family relationships.
Non-Residential Services - If the immediate crisis in the family can be handled, and it is safe for the child to return to or remain at home, the family is offered non-residential counseling services. These services include, but are not limited to, crisis intervention and individual, group and/or family counseling. They are rendered to CINS/FINS clients in their homes, at established community locations, or at the local agency's offices.
Case/Court Management - All youth and families admitted for services receive case management services. These services include: information gathering; supportive linking; advocacy, coordinating and monitoring services; case review and discharge planning. When the agency's short-term services have resolved the family's immediate crises, the family is connected with longer-term community services and encouraged to follow through in order to build upon the strengths identified while receiving CINS/FINS services. In some cases there is a lack of progress that results in the convening of a case staffing committee. The committee or the parent recommendations may result in a petition filed in court for a CHILD IN NEED OF SERVICES. The local provider also manages the court case.
Staff Secure Placements - As a result of a CINS petition, the court may order the child to a longer stay in shelter-up to 120 days. There are 10 placements available statewide, one bed in each of 10 shelters, that have an additional youth care worker who provides one-to-one assistance and focus on the child's case plan. More intensive case management and counseling also occurs.
Physically Secure Placements - The law provides for a locked setting in very rare cases, where the judge finds the child either in contempt of court or in need of an extremely safe treatment environment. From the point of this court order, the child may remain in the locked setting for up to 120 days. These placements are provided through independent rate agreements with adolescent/child mental health treatment facilities. Local CINS/FINS (Florida Network) providers do not provide locked settings. In recent years, funding to this service has been dramatically reduced, resulting in fewer than 10 children served per year.
How can I find who provides services in my community?
There are agencies that provide CINS/FINS services throughout the state. Every judicial circuit has at least one Florida Network provider, every county has access to services and centralized intake and shelter services are accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To find the agency in your area click here.
You can also find out about services through the 24 Hour Toll Free Numbers: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) 1-800-352-5683
Will local CINS/FINS programs accept referrals from other agencies?
Yes, your agency can refer a youth and/or family to your local CINS/FINS program if they are exhibiting behaviors relating to ungovernable behavior, running away or truancy. In addition, the CINS/FINS programs can refer youth and families to other agencies in your community that may be able to help you and your child.
-- top --How are the services funded?
Primary funding is provided by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. In addition, local CINS/FINS providers may have some funding through other grants, community-based funding agencies, and donations.
-- top --Is there a charge for services?
No, there is no charge for services.
-- top --What are the laws that relate to CINS/FINS services and related topics?
Chapter 984, F.S. defines and mandates services to Children in Need of Services (CINS) and Families in Need of Services (FINS); and Chapter 1003.27(3), F.S. To access this statute click here (INSERT LINK TO CHAPTERS 984 and 1003.27(3).
You can access the Florida Statute (F.S.) that reference related topics by clicking on the links below:
- Excessive unexcused absences from school: Compulsory School Attendance: F.S. Chapter 232.19. Rules and regulations around consequences for youth not attending school regularly. Truancy petition may be filed in situations where a student has a accumulated 15 unexcused absences in a period of 90 calendar days
- Danger to self or others: Involuntary examination: F.S. Chapter 394.463; Involuntary placement: F.S. Chapter 394.467; Criteria and procedures for involuntary assessment by and/or placement into a mental health program.
- Violence at home: Domestic Violence: F.S. Chapter 741.29 Procedures for charges and arrest of suspected individual. Domestic Violence: F.S. Chapter 741.30 Injunction for protection against domestic violence
- Substance abuse: Public Health: F.S. Chapter 397.6811 Initiation of involuntary assessment and stabilization; Public Health: F.S. Chapter 397.675 Criteria of involuntary admission to treatment program
- Runaway, refusing to follow household rules, not attending school: Children and Families-in-need-of-services F.S. Chapter 984.15 Petition for Child in need of services
About the Network
Mission
The Florida Network values young people and therefore creates safe pathways to their future by building strong families and communities.
Vision
Florida will be a safe place where all young people reach their full potential.