These guidelines are based on the experiences of juvenile justice collaborations to establish community-based programs for status offenders. An overview of collaboration, a formal commitment by several organizations to work together, first addresses objectives and participants. Barriers to success are identified, as are factors critical to successful collaboration. Characteristics of an effective collaboration are listed, such as an established structure, a broad-based membership, and a realistic plan for fiscal support. The initial stage in a collaboration effort involves assessing community interest and enlisting key community members. Activities essential to completing these tasks are described, including forming an initiating committee, conducting an exploratory session with all representatives, and organizing a planning committee and community workshop. Steps in developing the collaborative framework are then outlined, beginning with defining and building the collaboration. Other tasks considered are formulating a plan of action, developing necessary skills, and fostering public-private linkages. Activities which support these steps and a general timetable are suggested. Also covered are factors that enhance the continued growth of the collaboration, such as increasing participation and evaluations. The appendixes contain model State, regional, and local collaborative structures; guidelines for a youth participation project; group exercises; and evaluation forms. They also provide a list of chairperson skills; model by-laws; and sample newsletters, evaluations, self-assessments, and action plans.