Most youth arrive at a Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center (JIAC) through a police drop-off, when law enforcement brings them in as a Child in Need of Care (CINC) or for alleged criminal behavior. Upon arrival, JIAC staff complete a brief screening and assessment to determine safety, supervision needs, and appropriate next steps.

For youth involved in alleged offenses, this includes guiding offender placement decisions based on risk and need. When appropriate, youth may be released to a parent or guardian, referred to community-based services, or placed in a more structured setting. The goal is to ensure accountability while prioritizing safe, appropriate, and least-restrictive outcomes.

In some cases, instead of taking the child to JIAC, law enforcement will allow the child to go home with their parents under a Notice to Appear (NTA). There are two types of NTAs: Juvenile Offender and Child in Need of Care. Unlike the Juvenile Offender NTA, Child in Need of Care NTAs are voluntary. 

Parents or guardians can come in on their own to get help from Juvenile Intake and Assessment. However, there may be other police drop-off or NTA cases being processed at that time. This should not deter you from coming in and getting help, but a phone call ahead of time can help ensure someone is available to assist you when you arrive.

The Intake Specialist will interview the child and family to gather:

• Family History
• Criminal History, including possible gang involvement
• School history
• Medical history
• Any history of abuse
• Other services or treatments the family or child has used before
• Standardized risk assessment tool (for youth 12 and older)
• Interests, activities, and hobbies
• The strengths and needs of the child and family

The child can refuse the assessment at any time. The information is private unless a judge or JIAC director determines it should be shared with certain people (identified by K.S.A. 38-2310), such as the District Attorney, social services, or probation officers.

After collecting information, the Intake Specialist might:

• Send the child home with a parent, guardian, or responsible adult if it is safe.
• Release the youth to a parent, other legal guardian, or an appropriate adult with our without conditions if it is safe to do so.
• Take the child to a shelter or licensed care center.
• Refer the case to the county attorney or social services for further action or investigation.
• Make recommendations to the county or district attorney for immediate intervention programs.
• Detain the youth at the Juvenile Detention Center.