THIS TESTIMONY, PRESENTED AT A HEARING HELD BY THE U.S. SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE FOR REAUTHORIZATION OF THE ACT, INCLUDES PERSONAL APPEARANCES, STATEMENTS SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD, AND AN APPENDED REPORT ON THE JAILING OF CHILDREN. OFFICIALS FROM THE LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE ADMINISTRATION PRESENT BUDGET FIGURES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE ACT, GIVE A STATE-BY-STATE BREAKDOWN OF GRANTS UNDER THE ACT, AND SUMMARIZE JUVENILE JUSTICE NEEDS. REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE AND FROM PRIVATE GROUPS PRESENT FACTS AND FIGURES DETAILING THE GROWING JUVENILE DELINQUENCY PROBLEM. ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL HANDLING ARE URGED. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES ENDORSES THE ACT BUT CRITICIZES SOME OF ITS GRANT PROCEDURES. SOME ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES ARE SUGGESTED. STATEMENTS FOR THE RECORD ARE RECEIVED FROM OFFICIALS OF NORTH CAROLINA AND MINNESOTA PLUS REPRESENTATIVES OF NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTING STATE, COUNTY, AND COURT OFFICIALS. A REPORT PREPARED BY THE CHILDREN'S DEFENSE FUND, WASHINGTON, D.C., IS APPENDED. TITLED 'CHILDREN IN ADULTS JAILS,' IT COVERS ESTIMATED NUMBERS OF CHILDREN IN ADULT JAILS, DESCRIBES ON-SITE VISITS TO CHILDREN IN JAILS, GIVES AN OVERVIEW OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECT ON THE CHILD, AND GIVES A STATE-BY-STATE SUMMARY OF LAWS REGARDING THE JAILING OF CHILDREN. A PLAN FOR REFORM IS OUTLINED. THE REPORT IS ILLUSTRATED AND HEAVILY FOOTNOTED. SEE NCJ-38791. (GLR)