Children Requiring Assistance and The FRC

The statewide FRC system was created to provide resources before court intervention for families with children who are in need of extra support in certain areas. These youth, formerly known as Children in Need of Services (CHINS), are typically struggling with one or more of the following:

• Repeatedly running away from home
• Repeated non-compliance with reasonable rules set by a parent
• Consistently and willfully does not attend school (“truant”)
• Repeatedly unable to follow reasonable rules set by the school
• Has been subjected to sexual exploitation

Previously, these youth were served primarily through the juvenile justice system. Now, families can visit the FRC and be connected with community services to help their child get on track for success. The FRC has clinicians who can evaluate youth and their circumstances to develop a Family Support Plan to address the child’s needs. Family Support Plans are tailored to each child and family’s needs, barriers, and strengths and is structured as a collaborative process with FRC staff and the identified youth and family, as well as other providers and support systems in the family’s network. Support from the FRC can be obtained preventatively before a CRA is filed or as supplemental support once a CRA is already in place.