THE AMERICAN METHOD OF DEALING WITH YOUTHFUL CRIME INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS: POLICE, JUVENILE COURTS, DEFENSE COUNSEL, JUVENILE COURT LAW, AND CORRECTIONS. THIS TEXT EXAMINES THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS AMONG THESE VARIOUS SEGMENTS, FOCUSING ON THE WAY THESE COMPONENTS AFFECT THE JUVENILE CORRECTIONAL PROCESS. TO PROVIDE A CONTEXT FOR THE DISCUSSION, A SIMPLIFIED DESCRIPTION OF THE ENTIRE FIELD OF JUVENILE JUSTICE IS FIRST PROVIDED. AN ASSESSMENT OF THE JUVENILE COURTS AND OVERVIEW OF JUVENILE CORRECTIONS ARE THEN PRESENTED. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JUVENILE OFFENDER AND METHODS OF HANDLING THE JUVENILE OFFENDER ARE DISCUSSED. THE MANY TYPES OF JUVENILE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES DETENTION FACILITIES, CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS, FOSTER HOMES, AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS - ARE EXAMINED IN TURN. PROBATION AND AFTERCARE SERVICES ARE ALSO REVIEWED. A SPECIAL CHAPTER DEALING WITH MANPOWER NEEDS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN JUVENILE CORRECTIONS IS INCLUDED.