Domestic violence shelters not only provide shelter but also deliver services and programs for victims of domestic violence and their children. The purpose of this manual is to guide new and existing domestic service providers through a model of organizational development. The model is based on the life cycle of successful public service delivery systems and incorporates both critical action items and effective practices. Using this life cycle model, the leaders of domestic violence shelters can conceptualize and implement the sequence of actions that build a sustainable service provider. The life cycle model of domestic violence service providers is organized around planning, operation, and expansion. Throughout the manual, critical actions are formulated as action statements, thereby giving domestic violence administrators and staff an actual plan for creating, strengthening, and further developing domestic violence service delivery systems with an emphasis on children's programs. References, appendices