This bill amends current law regarding voluntary services under the Child in Need of Services (CHINS) program. It states that a child's initial refusal or reluctance to participate in a voluntary services plan shall not be the sole reason for the decision not to offer or withdraw such services. The bill also requires that any petition filed regarding a child in need of services must include information about whether voluntary services have been attempted and the department's determination of the appropriateness of voluntary services for the child or family.

The bill also amends another section of the law to state that the department may decline to offer voluntary services if it determines that the child does not meet the definition of a child in need of services or if voluntary services are otherwise not appropriate for the child or family. However, the child's initial refusal or reluctance to participate cannot be the sole basis for the decision not to offer or withdraw voluntary services. The bill also specifies that the department's decision regarding voluntary services is not subject to appeal and that voluntary services provided under this section cannot exceed 9 months, unless an extension is determined to be appropriate.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 169-D:5, 169-D:5-c