THE MANUAL IS DIRECTED TO PUBLIC OR PRIVATE AGENCIES PLANNING TO ESTABLISH RESIDENCES MEETING OHIO YOUTH COMMISSION (OYC) STANDARDS FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS. SUCH RESIDENCES USUALLY HOUSE 10 BOYS OR GIRLS AND MAY OPERATE EITHER INDIVIDUALLY OR IN NETWORKS OF 2 OR MORE. GUIDELINES FOR ESTABLISHING GROUP HOMES COVER COSTS, FUNDING SOURCES, BUDGETING, THE NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL LEGAL ADVICE, BOARD APPOINTMENTS, OBTAINING RESIDENTS (APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION), INTAKE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, STAFF SELECTION AND DEVELOPMENT, CHOOSING A NAME, STANDARDS, PROGRAMS, THE PHYSICAL DWELLING, LOCATION, STRATEGIES FOR ENTERING THE COMMUNITY, AND DEALING WITH CONFLICT. A GROUP HOME STARTUP CHECKLIST IS PROVIDED. SUGGESTIONS FOR INCREASING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT WITH GROUP HOMES TOUCH ON ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY CONTACTS PRIOR TO OPENING, DEMONSTRATING THAT PEOPLE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR FROM GROUP HOME RESIDENTS, MAKING THE MOST OF THE MEDIA, HOLDING OPEN HOUSES, DEALING WITH MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT GROUP HOMES, AND GIVING PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COMMUNITY GROUPS. APPENDED MATERIALS INCLUDE A GROUP HOME CONSTITUTION (CODE OF REGULATIONS), STANDARDS FOR GROUP HOMES, INFORMATION ON HOW TO PREPARE NEWS RELEASES AND COMMERCIALS, AND MATERIALS ON GAINING COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR GROUP HOMES.