Children in Need of Support (CINS) Program

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.