Services for Children & Youth
Child in Need of Services (CHINS)
A youth or youth advocate can petition the court to look into situations that clearly put the youth in danger.

At-Risk Youth
Youth who are out of control of a responsible adult can be summoned to court and ordered to cease their at-risk behaviors, such as running away, drug abuse, etc. A case plan is drawn up to intervene to solve the problem or deal with the issues.

Truancy Program
The truancy program attempts to solve school-related problems that lead to dropping out or expulsion by enforcing the state-mandated school attendance. The Whatcom County School Districts initiate the truancy process with the court by petition, resulting in an order compelling school attendance.