Elements are outlined for the Circuit Court of Cook County's Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). Following a listing of reasons for juvenile detention reform in Cook County, including chronic overcrowding and no detention screening criteria, the guide lists the officials and agencies represented on the JDAI Executive Committee. Primary JDAI objectives are then listed, including revision of the detention screening process, pretrial supervision for at-risk juveniles, the establishment of community-based detention alternatives, and reduction in the length of stays in detention. Juvenile detention by offense categories is shown in a "pie" chart (34 percent with technical violation, 29 percent for violent offenses, and 37 percent for property/drug offenses). Ways in which the detention center is used are then outlined, along with components of the former intake process. Recommendations for a reform agenda are to develop a consensus on purposes of secure detention; the establishment of clear admissions criteria; the establishment of procedures and protocol for detention screening; and the development of a capacity to collect and analyze accurate intake data. Other reform issues outlined are detention screening risk factors, a revised screening process, the elements of a detention screening risk-assessment instrument, and initial results. Recommendations are listed for modifying the risk-assessment instrument.