The central assumptions of this new philosophy are that (1) violent youths should be housed in very small and service-intensive secure facilities and (2) the vast majority of juvenile offenders can be effectively managed in well-structured, community-based programs. This new approach to juvenile corrections emphasizes individualized treatment for troubled youth. These States are trying to achieve the historic mission of the juvenile court, while explicitly addressing both public protection and the legal rights of adjudicated delinquents. The struggles over juvenile justice reform in the five States have many common elements. In each State litigation or the credible threat of court intervention motivated crucial policymakers to act. The reformers also faced serious fiscal problems, difficulties in launching community programs, and vocal opponents who argued for greater use of secure incarceration. The States are considered bellwethers in that their results will affect the future of juvenile justice elsewhere. They present a strong challenge to the jurisdictions that have not yet chosen to confront the well-documented failures of conventional juvenile justice policies. 9 references.