The monograph first reviews the significant historical events and the emerging issues in the juvenile justice system from its embryonic stages with the opening of the New York House of Refuge in 1825 through the establishment of the Illinois Juvenile Court in 1899 to the due process revision begun in 'In re Gault' in 1967. The monograph then provides a step-by-step process by which criminal justice councils, State advisory groups, and juvenile justice agencies can improve the administration and operation of juvenile justice. The process focuses on four functional areas: administration, intervention, adjudication, and supervision. For each of these areas, policies and procedures are excerpted from the Standards for the Administration of Juvenile Justice. Potential roles are suggested for Federal, State, and local governments as well as the general public. The monograph concludes with a presentation of the Formula Grants and Technical Assistance Division's technical assistance program, with particular attention to the criteria for approving requests for technical assistance. Also included is a statement of the kinds of technical assistance which will be approved and various delivery modes. 76-item bibliography.