AN INTRODUCTORY SECTION DESCRIBES THE PURPOSE, INTENT, AND DEFINITIONS OF TERMS IN FLORIDA'S JUVENILE JUSTICE ACT. STATUTES REGULATING DELINQUENCY CASES ARE ORGANIZED ACCORDING TO STEPS IN THE JUDICIAL PROCESS BEGINNING WITH JURISDICTION AND CUSTODY THROUGH INTAKE, RIGHT TO COUNSEL, HEARINGS, AND ADJUDICATION. COMMUNITY CONTROL PROGRAMS AND ARBITRATION ARE COVERED. DEPENDENCY STATUTES MANDATE SIMILAR PROCEDURES, BUT ALSO PROVIDE FOR SHELTER CARE. THE PROVISIONS OF AN INTERSTATE COMPACT PERMIT COOPERATION WITH OTHER STATES FOR RETURN OF JUVENILES WHO HAVE RUN AWAY OR ESCAPED FROM INSTITUTIONAL CUSTODY. STATES CAN ALSO AGREE TO ACCEPT SUPERVISION OF THOSE JUVENILES ON PROBATION OR PAROLE WHO HAVE MOVED FROM THEIR ORIGINAL JURISDICTIONS. SECTIONS OF STATUTES ARE REPRODUCED WHICH PERTAIN TO SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SERVICES. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS AGENCY INCLUDE PROTECTIVE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, FOSTER HOMES, GROUP HOMES, AND A SUBSIDIZED ADOPTION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. THE INTERSTATE COMPACT ON PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN IS INCLUDED. STATUTES RELATING TO CHILD ABUSE COVER PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING DEATH FROM ABUSE OR NEGLECT, PROTECTIVE CUSTODY, AND OTHER MEASURES DESIGNED TO DETECT AND TREAT CHILD ABUSE. EXCERPTS FROM REGULATIONS CONCERNING YOUTH SERVICES CHARGE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SERVICES WITH PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROGRAMS TO PREVENT, CONTROL, AND TREAT JUVENILE DELINQUENCY. THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALL JUVENILE RECORDS IS PROTECTED BY STATE LAW. FOOTNOTES REFER TO THE LEGISLATIVE HISTORY OF EACH STATUTE. (MJM)