It begins with a description of the planning process and the essential elements of a well-functioning communitywide child abuse and neglect service system. The steps involved in conducting a community needs assessment are presented, as well as the kinds of problems typically encountered in setting up a new program. Methods for identifying project goals and examples of realistic goals are given. Alternative program designs are described as are alternative treatment strategies a program may wish to provide. Methods for monitoring case management practices, client progress, and project resource allocation are discussed, and sample case record and program record instruments are supplied. The guide concludes with a discussion of ways to ensure cooperative working relationships with other community agencies and among program staff and ways to avoid worker burnout, as well as summary comments on how to enhance the likelihood of establishing an effective program. Questions to be addressed in a community needs assessment and a list of relevant documents for community planners are appended. Tables, charts, sample forms, and footnotes are also included. For related documents, see NCJ 73114-17 of volume I-IV and NCJ 73119-23 of volume VI-XI. (Author abstract modified)