A Vermont Juvenile Petition is a legal document used to initiate a juvenile court proceeding. The petition is filed by the Vermont Department of Children and Families or a prosecuting state attorney on behalf of the state. The petition may be for a variety of reasons, such as delinquency, neglect, abuse, or a child in need of care or supervision. Depending on the circumstances, the petition may result in a formal court hearing or a less formal review by the court. The two types of Vermont Juvenile Petition are delinquency and Child in Need of Care or Supervision (CHINS). A delinquency petition is filed when a juvenile is accused of a criminal offense. A CHINS petition is filed when the juvenile is accused of violating a court order or is in need of care or supervision. In both cases, the goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of the juvenile.