Research and investigation generally take three forms: (1) research of all applicable laws on the issue; (2) meeting with State and local officials and others knowledgeable about the issue, including juvenile court judges, sheriffs, county commissioners, probation officers, prosecutors, public defenders, and directors of divisions of youth services; and (3) conducting site visits to observe and inspect specific facilities, such as jails and detention centers. The research and investigation stage ensures that advocates can make intelligent and realistic strategic decisions, and it also helps to convince public officials that they are dealing with people who are careful and committed in their approach to dealing with juvenile issues. The second major step in the advocacy process is the identification of critical issues. In this identification process, the project confronts problems that affect the greatest numbers of juveniles, notably issues at State training schools, large detention centers, and jails where large numbers of juveniles are incarcerated. The project also gives priority to confronting policies and practices which are the most flagrant and outrageous examples of the mistreatment of children. Further, an effort is made to determine where advocacy efforts will have an impact beyond the specific problem. The third major step in the advocacy process is the development of a series of alternative solutions that address the specific problem. The fourth step in the advocacy process is negotiating with public officials. Litigation should only be used as a last resort, i.e., when all attempts at negotiation have proven unsuccessful.