FILMED ON LOCATION IN 23 STATES, IT TRACES THE PROBLEMS AND INJUSTICES OF THE JUVENILE SYSTEM THROUGH THE COMMENTS OF CHILDREN INVOLVED IN THE SYSTEM AND THE AUTHORITIES WHO MUST DEAL WITH THESE CHILDREN - THE JUDGES, POLICE, ATTORNEYS, PROBATION OFFICERS, AND SUPERINTENDENTS OF JUVENILE INSTITUTIONS. THE FIRST PART OF THE FILM EXPLORES THE DISPOSITION OF THE 'DELINQUENT' CHILD CAUGHT UP ON THE PRESENT JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM. CHILDREN ARE SHOWN IN THE INSTITUTIONS TO WHICH THEY WERE COMMITTED BY THE COURTS - JAILS, DETENTION CENTERS, AND REFORM SCHOOLS. IT IS STRESSED THAT MOST OF THESE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN ARRESTED FOR TRUANCY, RUNNING AWAY, AND INCORRIGIBILITY - OFFENSES THAT WOULD NOT BE CRIMES IF COMMITTED BY ADULTS. THE SECOND PART OF THE FILM REVEALS SOME INNOVATIVE ALTERNATIVES TO THE IMPRISONMENT OF CHILDREN. SHOWN ARE SHELTER-CARE RESIDENCES, FAMILY-OPERATED GROUP HOMES, HALFWAY HOUSES, DETENTION HOMES, AND EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY YOUTH PROGRAMS. THESE SMALL-SCALE, COMMUNITY-BASED PROJECTS - THE FILM POINTS OUT - COULD BE EMULATED NATIONWIDE TO DIVERT 'CHILDREN IN TROUBLE' FROM THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF INSTITUTIONALIZATION. SEE NCJ-25164 FOR 29 MINUTE VERSION. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)