At present some data on juveniles are available through the Central Criminal Records Exchange, the Virginia Juvenile Justice Information System, and individual law enforcement agencies. The current lack of complete and accurate data works to the detriment of both the juvenile and the public. Therefore, it is recommended that a centralized, automated system be created to maintain background information on juveniles who come into the criminal justice system. Such a system would ensure proper case evaluation and disposition and allow statistical analyses to be used in developing and implementing juvenile justice policies. Appropriate safeguards should be established by statute and regulation to ensure that the security of the system and the confidentiality of the data are preserved. Authority should be granted to the judiciary to release identifying information on fugitive juveniles charged with serious offenses in order to facilitate their apprehension. Finally, efforts to improve criminal justice information systems, particularly as they affect juveniles, should be continued and expanded. Statutory amendments and a design schedule for a clearinghouse for juvenile records are appended.