Diversion is discussed within the context of the juvenile justice system, and the advantages and disadvantages of diversion programming are outlined along with current research findings. The historical development of the juvenile court system is reviewed, with attention to recent changes in the State's juvenile code and the statutory authority for diversion of youth in the State. The handbook also outlines program options available among the State's diversion programs and describes its administrative structures used to establish diversion programs. Various service options are described and evaluated. The steps necessary to develop community involvement and support in such programs design and implementation are outlined, and the major legal issues to be considered in the design of juvenile diversion program are addressed, with emphasis on the need to protect individual due process rights. The handbook briefly describes diversion programs currently operating in the State, listed alphabetically by county. Information on these programs' operations, staffing, and funding is supplied along with the names of contact persons and their phone numbers. A glossary, a resource listing, sample forms, footnotes, an excerpt from the State's juvenile code, and 24 references are appended.