THE KNOWLES TOOTH CHILDREN'S CENTER WAS A JOINT VENTURE BY A CHURCH-SPONSORED SERVICE AGENCY AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN EAST AND WEST SUSSEX, ENGLAND. ABOUT 48 YOUNG PEOPLE WERE MATCHED WITH 4 SOCIAL WORKERS TO ATTEND THE CENTER IN GROUPS OF 12 ONCE A MONTH. DURING THE WEEK THE STAFF VISITED THE HOMES TO DISCUSS PROBLEMS WITH THE PARENTS AND ENCOURAGE IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE FAMILY. ATTENDANCE WAS VOLUNTARY AFTER THE INITIAL VISIT. NO OFFICIAL REGULATIONS EXISTED, BUT PROBLEMS WERE DISCUSSED AS THEY AROSE IN MEETINGS OF STAFF AND CHILDREN, AND THE CHILDREN WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING SANCTIONS. EACH CHILD WAS MADE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ONE STAFF MEMBER, AND THE STRONG RELATIONSHIP THAT DEVELOPED ENGENDERED FEELINGS OF TRUST AND COMMITMENT IN THE YOUTHS. WORKING WITH PARENTS GRADUALLY PRODUCED A COOPERATIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD THE CENTER AND FRESH AWARENESS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARD CHILDREN. KNOWLES TOOTH CENTER FACES TWO PROBLEMS COMMON TO ALL ALTERNATIVES TO CUSTODIAL SENTENCES: THE RELUCTANCE OF AUTHORITIES TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE FUNDING AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE AGENCY IS IDENTIFIED WITH AUTHORITY. A VITAL ELEMENT IN KNOWLES TOOTH'S SUCCESS HAS BEEN THAT THE WORKERS WERE NOT PART OF THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM. (MJM)