The reasonable effort provision of P.L. 96-272 requires agencies and courts to focus specifically on what services are being provided to families to avoid the unnecessary placement of children in foster care. The guidelines were developed following a 17-month study that focused on juvenile courts and State child protective services agencies that had successfully implemented both the technical and philosophical aspects of the reasonable efforts requirement. The programs and courts chosen for site visits were located in Santa Cruz, Calif.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Rochester, N.Y.; Davenport and Tipton, Iowa; Portland, Oreg.; and St. Cloud, Minn. Study data came from interviews, observations of hearings, a time study, and review of policies and casefiles. The manual presents the most practical and effective techniques to assure the needed judicial scrutiny of the removal of children from their families. It also covers the steps involved in the court's role in determining reasonable efforts and the documentation requirements. Checklist and 36 references.