top of page
03_25_26_FNYFS_Shelter_223.JPG

CINS/FINS

Children and Families in Need of Services

CINS/FINS is Florida's statewide system of free, voluntary services for youth ages 6-17 and their families who are experiencing crisis at home, at school or in the community. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

​

Since 1976, Florida Network member organizations have delivered CINS/FINS services to thousands of youth and families across all 67 Florida counties. 

 

Shelter services are a core component of the Florida Network’s statewide CINS/FINS continuum and are delivered by licensed residential providers under contract with the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). All shelters contracted under the Florida Network of Youth & Family Services are accredited and licensed as Child Caring Agencies by the Department of Children & Families.

Purpose

CINS/FINS shelters provide a safe, structured and supportive environment designed to:

​

  • Protect youth in crisis from harm or homelessness 

  • De-escalate family conflict and promote reunification

  • Offer short-term counseling, life skills and educational support 

  • Prevent youth from delinquency or dependency system involvement

Child at Computer

Services

  • 24/7 supervision and care 

  • Detailed assessment of the youth’s risks needs and strengths

  • Individual, group, and family counseling 

  • Case management and discharge planning 

  • Educational coordination with local schools 

  • Referrals to health, mental health and substance abuse services as needed

CINS/FINS Community Counseling Services 

The Children/Families in Need of Services (CINS/FINS) Community Counseling Program provides voluntary, family-centered intervention to youth and families who are experiencing conflict, truancy, ungovernable behavior, or other challenges that place youth at risk of entering the juvenile justice or dependency systems. 

 

Community Counseling is designed to strengthen families, resolve conflict and promote stability through counseling and case management services.

CINS/FINS Community Counseling Services are intended to: 

  • ​Prevent out-of-home placement and delinquency by resolving problems early. 

  • Improve family relationships and communication. 

  • Reduce school truancy, runaway incidents, and ungovernable behaviors. 

  • Build coping, problem-solving, and decision-making skills for youth and families. 

Group of Children and Staff Member

Services Provided

  • Detailed assessment of the youth’s risks, needs and strengths. 

  • Individual, family, and group counseling delivered in the home, school, office, or community setting. 

  • Development and implementation of individualized service plans. 

  • Case management and linkage to community resources and supports. 

  • Crisis intervention and coordination with schools, law enforcement, DJJ, and other child-serving systems. 

  • Follow-up and aftercare services to ensure ongoing family stability. 

Children Outside

Eligibility

Youth and families may receive CINS/FINS Community Counseling services if they meet one or more of the following criteria: 

​

  • The youth is between 6 and 17 years old. 

  • The youth or family is experiencing behavioral problems, truancy, runaway, or ungovernable behavior that places the youth at risk of entering the CINS/FINS system. 

  • The youth and family voluntarily agree to participate in services. 

  • There is no current court-ordered supervision under Chapter 985 (delinquency) or Chapter 39 (dependency), and no open DCF investigation for abuse or neglect. 

Short Term Residential

Shelter services are a core component of the Florida Network’s statewide CINS/FINS continuum and are delivered by licensed residential providers under
contract with the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). All shelters contracted under the Florida Network of Youth & Family Services are accredited and licensed as Child Caring Agencies by the Department of Children & Families.

Services

  • 24/7 supervision and care 

  • Detailed assessment of the youth’s risks, needs and strengths

  • Individual, group, and family counseling 

  • Case management and discharge planning 

  • Educational coordination with local schools 

  • Referrals to health, mental health and substance abuse services as needed

Eligibility

Between 10 and 17 years old.

  • Running Away

  • Truant

  • Beyond the reasonable control of the parent or guardian

  • The youth and family voluntarily agree to participate in services.

  • There is no current court-ordered supervision under Chapter 985 (delinquency) or Chapter 39 (dependency), and no open DCF investigation for abuse or neglect.

  • Not prescribed injectable medications

Child Sitting and Smiling

NEED MORE

More Help?

​If the CINS/FINS services listed above do not meet your needs, additional youth and family support services may be available in your area through the options listed below:

Case Staffing Committee

If your family's situation is complex or standard services have not been enough, your CINS/FINS counselor may recommend a Case Staffing Committee. This is a meeting — not a court hearing — that brings together your family, your counselor, a school representative and others who know your child to develop a more comprehensive plan. You may also request a Case Staffing Committee yourself. Submit the request in writing to your local CINS/FINS provider. The meeting must be held within seven working days.

CINS Petition Involuntary Services

A CINS petition is a formal request to the court to find that a child is in need of services. It is only filed as a last resort, after voluntary services have been tried and have not resolved the situation. The petition is filed by a local DJJ attorney, not by the family. As a parent, you also have the right to file your own CINS petition if the local program has not followed proper procedures or you disagree with the service plan. 

Anchor Point Physically Secure Program

Anchor Point is a physically secure residential facility in Jacksonville for youth ages 10-17 who have been court-ordered due to runaway behavior, ungovernability or truancy. The facility was developed by the Florida Network, funded through a 2024 Florida Legislature appropriation, and is operated on the ground by Youth Crisis Center. Programming includes education, counseling, case management and aftercare services, all focused on the goal of family reunification.

Referral Sources

Referrals may be received from parents or guardians, schools, law enforcement, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Children and Families or other community agencies. Self-referrals are also accepted. 

bottom of page