In accordance with DC Code 16–2301(8), a child who repeatedly runs away may be classified as a "child in need of supervision" (PINS)—defined as a minor who is habitually disobedient, ungovernable, or who repeatedly leaves home without parental consent. This statute provides the legal basis for court intervention when a child’s behavior poses a risk to their safety or well-being. To move forward with your request, we require the following documents.
Required Documentation:
- Three (3) Missing Person Reports
- Issued by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), showing that your child was missing for more than 24 hours on three separate occasions within the last 12 months.
- When requesting these reports, ask MPD for the Central Complaint Number (CCN) for each incident.
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Such as a driver’s license or official state-issued ID.
Once we receive these materials, a Probation Officer will be assigned to your case and will contact you for an interview. After that, the case will be reviewed and referred to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) with a recommendation, so they can determine whether to file a petition with the court.
Please send your documents to: pinsreferrals [at] dcsc.gov
How do I...
Open a truancy case on my child?
A Juvenile Probation Officer located in Room JM-620 of The Moultrie Courthouse at 500 Indiana Ave NW can screen your case and refer you to a community agency. No official case will be opened at the time of the screening.
Find out how truancy cases get reported to the Attorney General and the Court?
Approximately 90% of all truancy cases are submitted through a referral from DC Public School and Public Charter schools. DC law requires that schools refer truancy cases. If your child has missed 15 days of school or more, the school should have contacted you and offered supportive services prior to making the truancy referral.
Learn more about what happens when a truancy case is filed?
When a truancy case is filed with the court, your child will be assigned a juvenile probation officer and an initial hearing will be scheduled. The Probation Officer will meet with you and make community visits (home, school, curfew checks) prior to this initial hearing to assess your child’s situation. At the initial hearing, the judge will order conditions or rules for your child to follow which are monitored by your child’s Probation Officer. If you provide proof of your child’s improved school attendance, the case may be closed early. In some cases, it is determined that services are needed, and the case is referred to a social services agency to provide services rather than proceed with a court case.