The monograph presents essential components of a decision making sequence used to incorporate formalized family assessment and service planning procedures into two existing early intervention programs in Massachusetts. The 1-year effort used a consultant to: (1) redefine screening and assessment processes to include both child and family centered dimensions; (2) identify and critically evaluate formalized instruments used to assess family needs and strengths; (3) develop alternative individual family service plan (IFSP) formats; and (4) develop revised intake, screening, diagnostic, and service planning processes which reflect statutory requirements, contemporary research findings, and best clinical judgement. The monograph contains six sections and appendixes. After an introduction and overview, Part II looks at the context for family assessment and intervention including Public Law 99-457 and research findings. Methods of reviewing and analyzing family assessment instruments are presented in Part III with sections on classes of available measures and criteria for test selection. Discussed in Part IV are implications of family assessment for program organization and design. Part V considers development of an IFSP format, and Part VI briefly notes training/technical assistance implications. Seven appendices provide information on measures of social support and family behavior, significant life stressor scales, and quality of caregiving environment scales. Contains a list of over 100 references. (DB)