As a whole, the activities described in the handbook build upon one another and are interdependent. They focus on the development and responsibilities of the team that will perform the work needed to define the mission in managing sex offenders and the steps in implementing the mission. The first section presents an overview of sex offenders and their management. This includes a summary of current research and promising practices in communities throughout the Nation. The fundamental principles and key components of a comprehensive approach to sex-offender management are outlined. Such an approach focuses on the activities that are central to effective sex-offender management practices, the identification of stakeholders that should be involved in management efforts in order for them to be effective, and the development of a management approach that reflects the philosophies believed to be appropriate for managing various types of sex offenders. The second section of the handbook presents a framework for engaging in a planning and implementation process. The three core components of the framework are the collaborative team, the team's vision, and the team's mission. The section explains why each of these elements is essential. Activities are outlined for establishing the team and developing vision and mission statements. The third section focuses on the planning and implementation process in sex-offender management. The steps consist of a review of the jurisdiction's current sex-offender management policies and practices; an assessment of the gaps in current practice; the development of goals and objectives that address the most significant gaps; and the implementation and monitoring of changes needed to meet the goals. These steps are described in detail, with examples provided of work products and other illustrative materials.