The philosophy of the organization presumes that it will not act as a recipient of juveniles, but will promote activity to deal with problems of youth existent within its community. The organization can be considered a community-based diversion program. Its goals and objectives, methods of referral, and community base are all indicative of diversion in the sense of providing an alternative to life on the street, and the resulting patterns of delinquency, alcohol and drug abuse, social service intervention and juvenile justice system involvement. Teens view the organization as an informal support resource which supplements the assistance provided by their family and other primary group structures. Adherence to the principles of self-help and self-referral in its operation permits the organization to maintain important links with the community it serves. Endnotes