FINS (Families in Need of Services) information

Families in Need of Services (FINS) is a program designed to provide youth and their parents with resources that will help to change lifelong behaviors and keep them out of our juvenile and adult court systems. To participate in the FINS program, a written complaint form must be submitted. Anyone may file a complaint. Most common, however, law enforcement, school officials, and parents make referrals. The complaint must allege at least one of the following grounds: 

• Truancy-willfully and repeatedly violated lawful school rules
• Child is Ungovernable
• Child is a Runaway
• Child Intoxicating Beverage- repeatedly possessed or consumed, misrepresented/deceived age for purchasing/receiving, repeatedly loitered/area where principle commodity sold or handled
• Child Committed Offense Applicable Only to Children
• Criminal/Delinquent Act Committed by Child under Age 10
• Caretaker Contributed to Child’s Behavior
• Caretaker Failed to Attend School Meetings
• Child in Possession of Handgun without Lawful Purpose
• Cyberbullying 

By participating in the FINS program, children and families have the opportunity to access services that are targeted to properly address the underlying causes of pre-delinquent behavior. Following an extensive interview to assess the unique needs of each family, a family service plan is developed. Compliance with the service plan is monitored by the FINS Intake Officer for a maximum of six months without further judicial order. FINS is an informal process designed to focus on the family unit, rather than just the child. 

If you would like further information on how to submit a complaint, please contact Lisa Allbritton, FINS Intake Officer for the Third Judicial District Court at (318) 513-6232 or email llalbritton@lincolnparish.org.