The current approach to dealing with childhood lead poisoning has led to repeated diagnoses of poisoning because such children are treated and then returned to their hazardous environments. This handbook describes in detail the program requirements for effective childhood lead poisoning prevention programs at the local level based on the coordination of program elements and priority setting. The handbook is the second of a 3-volume set intended to provide a framework to catalyze action to develop effective childhood lead poisoning prevention programs. Chapter 1 of the handbook summarizes the necessity for developing lead poisoning prevention programs at the state and local areas. Chapter 2 presents the overall framework in which a prevention program should operate. Chapter 3 highlights the initial steps that programs can take to move toward prevention. Chapters 4 through 8 elaborate on the basic elements of a prevention program: (1) constituency building; (2) permanent planning; (3) comprehensive legislation; (4) program elements; and (5) capacity building. (KB)