Find out who can file an Application for a Child Requiring Assistance

You can start a Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) court case (previously known as CHINS) for a child who is between the ages of 6 and 18 by filing an Application for a Child Requiring Assistance. There are 2 types of applications you can file, depending on who is filing.

Parents, legal guardians & custodians

A parent, legal guardian, or custodian with custody of the child can file an application that says that the child is:

• A runaway who repeatedly runs away from the home of the parent, legal guardian, or custodian 
• A stubborn child who does not follow the parent, legal guardian, or custodian’s rules and reasonable commands, which interferes with their ability to take care of the child

Both parents do not need to consent to file a CRA application.

Someone representing the school district

A person who represents the school district the child attends can file an application that says that the child is:

• Habitually absent and does not attend school for more than 8 days in a quarter without a proper excuse
• A habitual school offender who does not obey the school’s rules and reasonable commands