Research shows that developing and implementing effective and cost attractive intervention services for juvenile offenders with related problems remain critical needs. In addition, it is seen that juvenile offenders are multi-problem youth requiring an array of psychosocial services. Front-end intervention can reduce the probability that youth will continue criminal and high health-risk behavior. Juvenile Assessment Centers (JACs) can serve an important role in the area of effective service intervention for at-risk adolescents. The Miami-Dade Juvenile Assessment Center, National Demonstration Project (NDP) developed a state-of-the-art protocol for screening, assessing and developing intervention plans for arrested youths processed at the JAC. The protocol included: (1) implementing state-of-the-art screening and in-depth assessment instruments; (2) identify the problems of arrested youths having contact with the justice system; (3) involve them in effective supervision and intervention services; (4) divert youth from entering the justice system; (5) reduce the number of arrested youth from re-entering the justice system; (6) develop, implement and evaluate innovative services for youth; (7) improve the quality of life of troubled youth, their families and the community. References