This consultants' paper explores the problems and prospects of the juvenile court. Sections cover: (1) "The Changing Juvenile Court," the history of the juvenile court and the court in theory and in practice, (2) "Changes in the Jurisdiction of Juvenile Courts" including subject matter jurisdiction and age limitations, (3) "Legal Services in the Juvenile Court," (4) "Detention and Shelter," criteria for use and recommendations for the future, (5) "Intake Process in the Juvenile Court" discussing discretionary intake, legal diagnosis, diagnostic classification for case handling, informal adjustment, and referral for court action, (6) "Dispositional Alternatives," the court's role in administering programs and various kinds of programs and services, (7) "The Probation Team," (8)"Mental Health Services in Juvenile Courts" a model organization for a mental health team and discusses training personnel, (9) "Administration of the Juvenile Court," the roles of the chief probation officer and the chief clerk as well as that of a state administrator of juvenile courts, and (10) "Evaluation and Planning," recommending study of the court as a system and more advanced research programs. (JK)