The volunteer working in the juvenile justice system must acquire basic knowledge in several areas to be effective. An essential knowledge base includes the scope of the delinquency problem; juvenile court law, process, and procedures; understanding of the particular setting, e.g., probation; possible causative factors; and societal reaction to delinquency. Statistics reveal that despite vast expenditures, delinquency and youth crime continue. Causative factors include negative effects of urbanization, family stress, and lack of preparation for parenthood. Often, the requirements of the legal system order intervention when it is too late. In recognition of the unique problems of youths, the juvenile court provides a wide range of services that the volunteer should understand. These services include, adoption, termination of parental rights, and guardianships. Volunteers in juvenile probation serve as probation officers, diagnostic service workers, teachers, and court interviewers. Three programs which have successfully used volunteers in helping juveniles include the Boulder, Colo., program; the Partners program of Denver, Colo., and the Expeditions of North America program. Two tables, learning exercises, and 18 references are provided. For other volumes in this series, see NCJ 83347-52, 83354-57, and 62914.