Major issues are the nature and scope of the Federal role in juvenile justice, what characteristics should distinguish juvenile courts from criminal courts, how resources for juvenile justice should be allocated, and how the disproportionate representation of minority youth in the juvenile justice system should be addressed. Congressional appropriations and each administrations philosophy have influenced decisions regarding the Federal role in criminal justice. Although the rehabilitative goal of juvenile justice is being increasingly threatened by the just deserts model, it is important to retain and strengthen the juvenile justice system. The juvenile court, juvenile correctional agencies, and youth services agencies and organizations can become important allies in defining the objectives and priorities of the juvenile justice system. A final issue is the status of juvenile corrections with respect to its mission, resources, and needs. Many questions must be considered in answering this question and informing the reauthorization process at the Federal level and the decisionmaking processes at the State and local levels. 7 references