Green Chimneys

The PINS Prevention Program provides intervention and prevention services to youth who are at risk of entering the juvenile justice system through a contract with the Putnam County Department of Social Services, in conjunction with the Putnam County Probation Department.

When a parent or school files a PINS (Person in Need of Supervision) complaint, an initial meeting at the Probation Department with a probation officer is conducted. Following the meeting, with the goal of diverting the petition, an intake and assessment with the PINS Prevention Program is completed. An individualized service plan is devised, which includes individual and family goals that directly correlate to the identified risk factors, and a contract with the youth and family is generated.

Preliminary mental health and substance abuse evaluations are completed and youth and families are provided with, or referred to, needed services. Services that may be provided to the families throughout the duration of the involvement with the program are:

• Individual and family therapy
• Referral for after-school programming
• Short-term case management/coordination
• 24-hour crisis intervention
• Referrals
• Advocacy
• Respite services can be provided at Arbor House youth shelter for youth younger than 18 for 21 days with the consent of the parent/guardian. During his or her stay, the
• youth will continue working on his/her service plan, and will continue to have access to the program services while maintaining his/her assigned social worker.

The youth’s is monitored and individual and family participation is documented. Over a six- to twelvemonth period, it is determined with the family whether services will continue, the petition was successfully diverted or whether the case will go back to court for a PINS petition.

For further information, contact:
Lauren Bennett
Division Director
1689 Route 22, Brewster, NY 10509
845.279.2378 x202
fax: 845.278.4089