PROBATION OFFICERS FROM SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF., AND PHOENIX, ARIZ., DISCUSS THE MOVE TOWARD DECRIMINALIZATION OF STATUS OFFENSES, THE EFFECTS OF DECRIMINALIZATION (E.G., DROPS IN ARREST AND PETITION RATES), AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING INTAKE CENTERS, SHELTER HOMES, AND YOUTH SERVICE BUREAUS. SHIFTS TO DIVERSONARY PROGRAMS, PROBLEMS IN HANDLING RUNAWAYS, AND THE NEED FOR SPECIALIZED CARE IN THE FORM OF COMMUNITY-BASED HOMES AND COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ARE EXAMINED, ALONG WITH THE NEED FOR SOME SORT OF CONTINUED ROLE FOR THE JUVENILE COURT, PARTICULARLY IN PROTECTING JUVENILES FROM THENSELVES AND ABUSIVE PARENTS. IT IS STRESSED THAT THE HANDLING OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS PATENTLY DISCRIMINATES AGAINST FEMALES AND REPRESENTS A COMPLEX SITUATION IN TERMS OF BOTH THE EMOTIONAL AND FISCAL COSTS AND THE PROBLEM INHERENT IN TRYING TO CONVINCE YOUTH THEY ARE WRONG FOR REJECTING PARENTAL VALUES. FINALLY, IT IS ARGUED THAT A COMPLETE ELIMINATION OF THE JUVENILE COURT WOULD LEAVE A SERVICE VACUUM WITH RESPECT TO THE NEEDS OF INCORRIGIBLE YOUTH. (KBL)