This report describes a 7-week pilot study conducted to estimate probable participation rates for a planned substance abuse treatment outcomes study. The pilot program tested whether acceptable response rates might be obtained by contacting clients whose records had been examined by an earlier study (retrospective) or by contacting current clients (prospective). The pilot tested probable contact rates, requirements for travel and time, consent procedures, and the instruments to be used for both retrospective and prospective approaches. The planned outcome study would ask about the adolescents' use of drugs and alcohol and the way adolescents treated for chemical dependency function at home, school, and work. The study would be accomplished through interviews with parents and adolescents, and by examinations of school records, where possible. Results revealed that a prospective model, with follow-along procedures after treatment, was more efficient and effective for an outcome study than was a retrospective model. Consent procedures and consent forms that were developed in the pilot worked well, as did the protocols used for enlisting and training agencies. It was recommended that three instruments used by the pilot program be revised. An appendix contains statistical representations of the findings. Contains 35 references and additional sources. (RJM)