THIS COURT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT WAS CONDUCTED IN JANUARY 1978 AT THE REQUEST OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE JUVENILE DEPARTMENT. A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE CURRENT RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IS PRESENTED, INCLUDING BOTH THE INFORMAL RECORDS WHICH DO NOT CONSTITUTE A FORMAL CASE UNTIL PETITION IS FILED AND THE LEGAL FILES. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE NUMBERING SYSTEM USED FOR THE LEGAL CASE FILE CONTAIN A CALENDAR-YEAR DESIGNATION AND THAT EACH YEAR START WITH CASE NUMBER 1 (E.G., 79-001-J). IT IS ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE FOUR FILE CATEGORIES -- OPEN CASES, CLOSED CASES, AGENCY FILE, AND INCIDENTAL FILE -- BE MERGED INTO ONE ALPHABETICAL FILE WITH ALL REFERRAL PAPERS UNDER THE JUVENILE'S NAME. A CHECKOUT SYSTEM FOR FILES REQUESTED BY COUNSELORS OR OTHER STAFF MEMBERS SHOULD BE INSTITUTED. SECURE STORAGE AND TECHNICAL CHANGES ARE RECOMMENDED. EXPUNGING IS BEING DONE AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE TO COMPLY WITH OREGON LAW, BUT LACK OF CLERICAL HELP IS MAKING THE TASK DIFFICULT. (GLR)