ESTABLISHED BY THE WASHINGTON URBAN LEAGUE IN 1975, YAC WAS FUNDED AS A DEMONSTRATION PROJECT BY LEAA. THE PROJECT OPERATED ON ONE SERVICE AREA OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. UNDER THE PROPOSED BOUNDARY CHANGE, THE PROJECT WILL OPERATE IN TWO DISTRICT COURT SERVICE AREAS CREATED BY THE COURT REORGANIZATION. ITS PLANNED FIELD OF OPERATION WILL INCLUDE MUCH OF THE PREVIOUS AREA SERVED. THE UNIT'S MAIN GOAL IS TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE TO JUVENILE COURT PROCESSING FOR STATUS OFFENDERS. PROGRAM COMPONENTS INCLUDE CRISIS INTERVENTION, ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION, FAMILY COUNSELING, EMERGENCY SHELTER CARE, EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, AND OTHER SERVICES. REFERRALS ARE RECEIVED 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK. REFERRALS MAY COME FROM THE POLICE, SUPERIOR COURT, YAC SATELLITE OFFICES, THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND OTHER SOURCES. AN ARREST OR FORMAL PETITION NEED NOT BE THE BASIS FOR REFERRAL TO YAC. ONGOING INSERVICE TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED TO ALL COUNSELORS AND OTHER PROGRAM STAFF. TREATMENT IS GUIDED BY THE PRINCIPLES OF THE YOUTH'S MINORITY AND PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY. STAFF INCLUDE A PROGRAM DIRECTOR, SUPERVISOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES, FAMILY COUNSELORS, YOUTH COORDINATORS, EDUCATIONAL SPECIALISTS, COMMUNITY RESOURCE SPECIALIST, AND ARBITER. FUNDS FOR CONTINUED EVALUATION OF YAC, WHICH WAS EVALUATED IN 1976 BY THE BLACK AFFAIRS CENTER, IS REQUESTED. A MAP IS INCLUDED.