The structure and function of agencies serving handicapped persons must be geared to service encompassing the total person rather than service which focuses solely on the person's handicap. This section of the guide discusses guiding principles in agency operation which includes: (1) identification of accountability; (2) competence within the staff of the agency to provide the services it professes to render; (3) efficiency of operations and conservation of resources; (4) integration with other social, health welfare and educational programs and (5) planfulness in programming and flexibility which allows for change. The standards provided aim to provide the framework and the tools which enable the total agency team to give of its best. (Other sections of this guide are available as LI 003342-003343 and LI 003345 through LI 003351). (Author/NH)