Judge Wood generally hears two types of juvenile cases: FINS and Juvenile Delinquency.
Family In Need of Services (FINS)
FINS cases are those cases where a Petition has been filed by an adult family member, school official, prosecuting attorney, or other interested party alleging the Juvenile meets one of the three criteria for a FINS case:
1.) The Juvenile has been habitually absent from the home without justification or permission (example: a runaway); or
2.) The Juvenile has been habitually absent from school without justification (example: excessive school absences or tardies); or
3.) The Juvenile is habitually disobedient to the reasonable and lawful commands of his or her parent, guardian, or custodian (example: juvenile disobeys rules of the home excessively for a prolonged period).
Once a FINS case is adjudicated (found to be true by the Court), the Juvenile and parents, guardians, or custodians will be subject to the Court's Orders and Rules, report monthly to an assigned Juvenile Officer, and periodically appear before the Court for Review Hearings until the Court is satisfied the Juvenile is no longer in need of services and court supervision. The purpose of FINS is to provide services to at risk juveniles and their families, open communication between all interested parties, and allow the juvenile to be a productive member of society.
All Juveniles in FINS cases are entitled to counsel. If they cannot afford counsel, one will be appointed through the Public Defender's Office.
If you believe your child or a child you care about is a FINS case and you are interested in filing a FINS Petition, please contact Barbi Venable so she can put you in contact with the appropriate officer. 501.450.4924 or e-mail Sheila Franklin at sfranklin@faulknercc.org