Dependency-Neglect cases may be filed when a juvenile is abandoned, abused, sexually abused, neglected or where the child is at great risk of harm due to unfit parenting. These types of cases typically require the involvement of the Department of Human Services (DHS). The goal of the juvenile court and the DHS is to reunite families, if it is in a child's best interest and the child can safely return home, by developing a permanent plan for the child, which could include adoption.

Family In Need of Services (FINS) cases may be filed when a child’s behavior includes such acts as running way, being truant or being disobedient to his/her parents and it is brought to the attention of the juvenile authorities, often by parents or school officials. The goal of a FINS case is to work out a course of action to stop these problems. FINS cases also include kids who commit crimes who are under 8 and kids who have mental health and alcohol and drug abuse problems.