PERSONS IN NEED OF SUPERVISION
Many times families find that their children are not following the rules of the home and are becoming neglectful in their school work and social life. Despite their best efforts to try and resolve these issues the problems persist or get worse. In New York State one avenue that parents and guardians can use is the PINS Diversion Program.
PINS Diversion is run under the direction of the Erie County Probation Department. Parents that need to utilize this service can contact them at 858-8349 to make an appointment for an interview with both the juvenile and at least one parent. Once the interview has been held, a set of guidelines are established for the juvenile to follow. If the juvenile disregards the guidelines that have been set up, the case is referred to an Erie County Family Court Judge for intervention. This can lead to the placement of the juvenile in an alternate living arrangement that can more closely deal with the issues being presented.
The general guidelines for using this program vary but the age of intervention has been found to be crucial. Many parents try to handle serious breaches of conduct by their children with out any outside help. Young teens may start to use drugs and alcohol, physically abuse their siblings, or verbally and physically harass their parents or other elders in position of authority. Parents believe that their teens will out grow this stage. The truth is it will only get worse. As parents see this they decide to try and intervene as the teen gets older. The best time to utilize this program is when they first start to disobey your house rules. Generally this is around twelve years old. Realizing the potential trouble ahead and getting early intervention can help a troubled teen develop in a way that is more acceptable in our present society. PINS Diversion is a tool you may want to use.
If you wish more information on the possibility of utilizing this service contact our office at 674-2284 and speak with one of our Family Offense Officers. Your local school district can also help you in deciding whether this program is one that you should consider.
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