Based on data collected from a questionnaire survey of a sample of centers and six, in-depth case studies, this study provides a preliminary assessment of the contribution of day centers to the criminal justice process. The report presents basic information on the centers concerning their objectives, staffing, and hours. The second main section consists of information on the offenders as well as the referral and selection procedures through which they were chosen to participate in this type of program. This section contains some data on the extent to which centers are used as an alternative to custody. Details of the six case studies comprise the third major section of the report. The author found major disparities between the centers that raise serious questions concerning their efficiency, effectiveness, and economy. In planning centers, detailed consideration must be paid to establishing a clear relationship between the aims of the center and the activities it offers, creating clearly defined client groups, integrating the center with the local probation service, and refining other management and operational issues. 2 appendixes