Persons in Need of Supervision

PINS Diversion Program

PINS (Person in Need of Supervision) Diversion is a short-term, voluntary program. A youth may qualify if they are exhibiting one or more of the following behaviors: truancy, drug or alcohol use, or ungovernable and habitually disobedient behavior.

Referring to PINS Diversion

Parents, law enforcement, or school officials may refer a youth to PINS diversion services. Referrals can be made by contacting the Madison County Department of Social Services at 315-366-2548 and requesting to speak with the PINS Diversion Program Supervisor.

An appointment will be scheduled for the parent or guardian and youth to meet with a caseworker to discuss concerns, explore available assistance, and receive referrals to appropriate services.

The Diversion Unit will assess which community-based services are available and most appropriate to address the identified issues.

Further Intervention

If a youth does not show improvement after diversion services have been attempted and all available options have been exhausted, the youth may be referred to the Madison County Family Court Judge for further intervention.

Legal Foundation

The PINS Reform Law became effective in New York State in 2019. Changes to the Family Court Act were made to clarify and enhance services for youth and families, with the goal of diverting youth from formal PINS proceedings.

Each county in New York State is required to designate a lead agency for PINS diversion services. The law emphasizes early and effective intervention, requires the exhaustion of community-based preventive alternatives before filing PINS petitions, and places responsibility on parents or guardians to make diligent efforts to stabilize family situations through available support services.