SCIJCF, implemented in 1977, was Iowa's first attempt to develop a multicounty community-based shelter care program. The program serves six counties and provides out-client, shelter, foster care, group home, and in-home supervision services. The manual begins with a description of SCIJCF and continues with suggestions for developing community support for a juvenile care program. The development of a core group to initiate the effort, creating an expanded community action group, and the importance of public information activities are discussed. Also discussed are program philosophy and services. Services which should be provided include various kinds of counseling, a behavior management system, education, medical care, and recreation. In addition, budget and budget issues are reviewed, including the need for a small initial program, the need for a mix of public and private funding, sources of funding, program expansion, budget forecasts, and ways to cut costs. Finally, intake, reporting, and exit procedures are described, and sample forms are presented. A list of 58 references and an appendix presenting the handbook given to the youths served by SCIJCF are presented.