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PINS Petitions
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Guidance for Suffolk County families facing PINS petitions. Steven Zalewski, Esq. helps parents protect their children and find supportive court solutions.
PINS Petitions (Persons in Need of Supervision) in New York Family Court
Overview
A PINS Petition—short for Person in Need of Supervision—is a Family Court proceeding under Article 7 of the Family Court Act (FCA).
It’s designed to help youth under the age of 18 who are beyond the control of their parents, school, or legal guardians.
The purpose of a PINS case is not punishment, but to provide structure, supervision, and supportive services so the young person and their family can move forward safely and productively.
|⚖️ In Suffolk County, these cases are handled in Family Court, with services coordinated through Probation and the Department of Social Services (DSS).|
When Can a PINS Petition Be Filed?
Under FCA §712(a), a child may be found to be a person in need of supervision if they:
- Habitually disobey reasonable and lawful directions of their parent or guardian,
- Run away from home repeatedly or stay away without permission,
- Fail to attend school regularly or are habitually truant,
- Engage in uncontrollable or disruptive behavior, or
- Require supervision or treatment that the parent or guardian cannot provide without court help.
These are not criminal cases — the goal is to guide, not punish.
The PINS Process in Suffolk County
1. Referral to Probation (Diversion)
Before a PINS case goes to court, New York law requires families to participate in diversion services through the Probation Department.
Probation works with the family to:
- Identify underlying causes of the behavior,
- Offer community-based counseling, mentoring, or therapy,
- Connect families to youth services and educational programs, and
- Monitor compliance to prevent formal court involvement.
If these diversion efforts don’t resolve the issues, Probation may refer the case to Family Court.
2. Filing a PINS Petition
If the behavior continues, the presentment agency (often Probation or the County Attorney’s Office) may file a PINS Petition in Family Court under FCA §732.
The petition must show that:
- The youth is under 18, and
- The youth’s behavior meets the legal definition of being “in need of supervision.”
Once filed, the court will schedule an Initial Appearance.
3. Court Hearings
At the first appearance:
- The youth (respondent) and their parent or guardian must appear.
- The court explains the allegations and appoints an Attorney for the Child (AFC) to represent the youth.
- The youth and parents have the right to legal counsel, and if they cannot afford one, the court will appoint an attorney.
If the youth admits the allegations, or the court finds them true after a fact-finding hearing, the case moves to disposition.
4. Dispositional Options (FCA §754)
The court may order:
- Probation supervision (typically 12 months),
- Community service or counseling,
- Curfews, educational requirements, or electronic monitoring,
- Placement in a residential facility or group home, if necessary for safety and rehabilitation.
The goal is to support behavior change and reunify families, not separate them.
Placement is considered a last resort, only when less restrictive measures have failed.
Parents’ Role and Rights
Parents play a vital role in every PINS proceeding. You have the right to:
- Be heard at all stages of the case,
- Receive notice of all hearings,
- Participate in court-ordered services, and
- Seek help from an attorney experienced in Family Court to protect your child’s and your family’s rights.
Steven often reminds parents: “A PINS case isn’t about blame—it’s about getting help before things spiral into something more serious.”
What Happens if the Child Violates a Court Order?
If a youth violates probation or another Family Court order, the court may hold a violation hearing.
In rare cases, the youth can be remanded to detention or placed in a structured residential program run by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
However, the court’s first goal remains rehabilitation and support, not punishment.
How Steven Zalewski, Esq. Can Help
Steven Zalewski has decades of experience representing families and young people in PINS, neglect, and juvenile matters throughout Suffolk County Family Court.
He understands that PINS cases often arise when parents feel helpless or overwhelmed, and that every family needs a practical, respectful path toward stability.
Steven provides:
- Direct guidance through Probation diversion and court proceedings,
- Representation focused on keeping your child home and safe,
- Advocacy for educational or mental health services your child may need, and
- Negotiation with agencies to avoid unnecessary placements.
“When you work with me,” Steven says, “you’re not just another case number. You’re a parent trying to help your child—and I make sure the court understands that.”
Contact Steven Zalewski, Esq.
Cell: (516) 660-4654
Office: (516) 377-7830
Email: steve@zandzfamilylawyers.com
Address: 1601 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 500, Islandia, NY 11749
Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Every PINS case is unique. To protect your rights and explore your options, consult with an experienced family law attorney.
Recommended Further Reading
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