The Idaho Legislature created a new Department of Juvenile Corrections, which removed juvenile authority from the Department of Health and Welfare. This shift of responsibility placed emphasis on corrections instead of on treatment and therapy. The legislature also adopted a new philosophy for juvenile justice in the State that consisted of a "balanced approach." This approach incorporates three basic tenets: accountability, community protection, and competency development. Six months after the new laws were passed, surveys were mailed to legislators, county commissioners, magistrate judges, and probation officers to determine their views on the problems with juvenile justice under the former system and whether the reforms were addressing these problems. Survey responses were positive, and respondents identified four components they believed to be essential for a successful system: quality people, adequate funding, a plan with clear objectives, and the right legal framework. An impressive range of juvenile services has been developed. The Fifth Judicial District has two detention centers that house juvenile probation officers, a courtroom, a judge's chamber, a clerk's office, a volunteer coordinator's office, and an alternative school. A psychologist assesses juveniles before sentencing. Private agencies provide treatment for juvenile sex offenders as well as drug and alcohol abusers. Volunteers act as mentors for juvenile offenders and serve on diversion boards and youth court programs. An automated juvenile-tracking system is being used by the courts, school districts, police agencies, probation, and prosecutors. 3 references