The five counties reduced their commitments of offenders to juvenile institutions, resulting in reduced costs. Because no clear guidelines were formulated on the direction of State-supported community programs, confusion existed over which programs had priority and what data were needed to ensure accountability for State funds. The Department of Juvenile Rehabilitation needs to develop a clear policy stating that State and Federal funds for local programs are primarily for committable offenders. Guidelines should contain rewards for compliance and sanctions for noncompliance. Quantitative outcome measures should be part of the routine monitoring program. Footnotes and data tables are supplied. (Author summary modified)