RCW 13.32A.030 defines a child who is in need of services as a juvenile (under the age of 18) who:
The purpose of the Child in Need of Services (CHINS) Program is to obtain a court order requiring temporary placement (for up to six months) of a child in a residence other than the home of his/her parent. The requirement for placement must be based on a serious conflict between the parent and child that cannot be resolved by providing services to the family while the child remains in the home. A child, parent (custodian/guardian), or DCFY may file a CHINS petition. After a CHINS petition has been filed, the child may be temporarily placed by Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCFY) caseworker in a crisis residential center, foster family home, licensed group home facility, or any other suitable residence to be determined by the Court. It is important to have an experienced attorney by your side as the different systems can be difficult to navigate without previous knowledge or experience.