Youth courts are forums in which youth sentence their peers for offenses. Local communities have created youth courts to reflect their unique concerns and experiences, which has resulted in a rich diversity in the structure, operations, caseloads, and characteristics of youth courts across the Nation. Depending on which of the many youth court models is followed, youth may assume the roles of the various court personnel. In most cases, youth defendants admit their wrongdoing or plead no contest to be eligible for youth court. A small percentage of youth courts allow defendants to plead not guilty in youth court. This referral guide builds on national guidelines to include practical information and advice on how to identify the respondents, offenses, and problem behaviors acceptable for youth courts. The information provided addresses how to set up a referral committee, factors to consider when selecting which cases to hear and which to reject, and "red flags" that should trigger careful consideration of whether a referral is appropriate for youth court. One section of the guidebook outlines 27 offenses that are often processed by youth courts. General definitions of the offenses and examples of typical cases are provided. It also lists some of the factors youth courts should consider in deciding whether to accept or reject these cases, and notes any special issues or controversies that youth courts might face in dealing with the offenses. Another section of the guidebook presents information on some of the dispositions that are generally available to youth courts. Appended list of additional youth court resources