A social competence theory proposes that some individuals behave antisocially because they lack proper social skills. A skill-deficit approach assumes that wide and varied skill deficiencies are related to delinquency and that the patterns of particular deficiencies vary among individuals and between groups. Social skills training assumes that most of the problems of juvenile offenders exist because they lack skills to build relationships, handle interpersonal conflicts, and manage their own emotions in a constructive way. Using this model, intervention includes the teaching of more acceptable ways to behave, to express feelings, to respond to others, and to meet the demands and expectations of the youth's environment. As a re- education strategy, social skills training assumes that the skills needed for improved social adjustment can be taught with many of the same methods used to teach any kind of academic or behavioral skill. In December 1989, the Calhoun County Juvenile Court (Michigan) implemented the Holistic Environmental Life- Skills Project (HELP). HELP is divided into four components: parenting skills education, social skills training, computer assisted instruction, and creative arts education. After 5 years of operation and following numerous observational visits by evaluators from Quest International, the program has been deemed a success. Three general areas for continued program development require attention: expanded programs for an extended juvenile detention period, staff assumption of the role of surrogate parent, and program tests in several different sites. 47 references