The three major mandates of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act and the Iowa Jail Removal law are outlined, and exceptions to the jailing of juveniles are discussed. Secure versus nonsecure holding of juveniles is differentiated, and a juvenile detention checklist is provided. Procedures and activities associated with complaint and referral to juvenile court are delineated. The continuum of services available to juveniles on an immediate or emergency basis are examined, and the dispositional (postadjudicatory) options available to the court are detailed, including probation supervision, community service, counseling, shelter or foster care, and residential treatment. Finally, crisis intervention strategies for drugged or intoxicated and depressed/suicidal juveniles are identified. Included is an overview of the disease concept, the signs and symptoms of juvenile substance abuse and depression, and first aid and emergency procedures. Figures, related articles and information, and references.