During 1979, the council continued its changing role in juvenile correctional services, with increased emphasis on providing quality care for children through expanded community-based programs. The major central office reorganization effected in 1978, in which support and direct service functions were aligned into distinct divisions, resulted in more efficient management of the agency's activities. Important changes in the council during 1979 included the transfer of two institutions, the Gatesville State School, and the Waco State Home, to other State agencies. In addition, the council began planning for a transition of the West Texas Children's Home from a home for dependent and neglected children to a facility for delinquent children. Renovations were instituted in order to again place delinquent children in the Crockett State School. Two camps were relocated during the year, and the Dallas Halfway House was relocated. The Travis House halfway house was closed. The council stepped up its role of assisting local communities with funding and technical assistance for predelinquent and delinquent children and assisted private nonprofit groups seeking solutions to the problem of delinquency in the State. A mission statement defining the agency's responsibilities to protect the public, correct and treat youth, provide basic care and supervision of youth, and to educate the public was developed. The council served 5,683 Texas youth during the fiscal year in 8 institutions, 7 halfway houses, 77 residential contract placements, 3 camping programs, 10 group homes, 133 foster homes, and through parole supervision in offices located in 26 cities throughout the States. One map, photographs, and a few tables are provided. (Author abstract modified)