THE MANUAL IS WRITTEN IN QUESTION-AND-ANSWER FORMAT, WITH FREQUENT SUMMARIES. SOCIETY AND THE LAW RECOGNIZE THE YOUNG AS A SPECIAL GROUP. MOST LAWS WHICH APPLY TO ADULTS ARE APPLICABLE TO PEOPLE UNDER AGE 18 ALSO. IN ADDITION, SPECIAL PARTS OF LAWS ON SUCH SUBJECTS AS DRUGS, LIQUOR, ABORTIONS, MARRIAGE, MEDICAL CARE, AND OTHERS APPLY ONLY TO YOUNG PEOPLE. YOUTH'S RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES WITH RESPECT TO THESE LAWS AND TO SCHOOL, PARENTS, AND CITIZENSHIP ARE DESCRIBED. STEPS IN LEGAL PROCESSES FROM ARREST THROUGH COURT PROCEEDINGS AND DISPOSITIONS ARE DESCRIBED. ALASKA'S SYSTEM OF FOSTER HOMES, GROUP HOMES, AND OTHER FACILITIES FOR LIVING APART FROM THE FAMILY ARE DISCUSSED. A CHAPTER ON RESOURCES FOR YOUTH DISCUSSES CRISIS SERVICES, HELPING SERVICES, LEGAL RESOURCES, COUNSELING SERVICES, HEALTH SERVICES, EMERGENCY SHELTER, AND EMPLOYMENT. JUVENILE JUSTICE PROCEDURES IN RURAL ALASKA AND SMALLER COMMUNITIES OUTSIDE ANCHORAGE ARE ALSO DESCRIBED. READERS ARE URGED TO CONTACT A LAWYER IF THEY GET INTO ANY TROUBLE WITH THE LAW, AND NOT TO USE THE HANDBOOK AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A LAWYER. AN INDEX AND APPENDIXES PRESENTING A GLOSSARY AND A DISCUSSION OF BASIC AMERICAN RIGHTS ARE INCLUDED.