The index was developed in response to a legislative mandate to develop a cost-benefit analysis model to apply to all juvenile justice commitment programs. To develop the index, the Department of Juvenile Justice, program providers, and the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board examined information to consider when evaluating cost-effectiveness and selected five variables for which data are available in existing information systems. The draft index adds scores from each of the five variables. The analysis indicated that although the original data are valid, the adjustments and combination of the data produce misleading results. Developing a more valid index will require the involvement of experts and the collaboration of the Department of Juvenile Justice, program providers, and the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. Appended description of the draft index design