This report presents both compilation of recent information on the legal status of adolescents in the United States and a resource for assessing the changes and trends faced by today's adolescents. The first eleven chapters of the report present summary tables and accompanying assessments of the sources of change that occurred in the statutory law of each state from 1975 to 1980, and the effect of these changes upon the current legal status of adolescents. The topics covered by these chapters include: emancipation statutes; commitment of minors to mental health institutions; children's participation in political processes; incarceration of children in adult jails; waiver of juvenile court jurisdiction; deinstitutionalization and alternative placements of status offenders; child voice in custody decisions; community support programs; and laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation of children. A brief summary preceding each chapter highlights the key changes and/or emerging issues identified within that chapter. Chapter 12 presents a summary sketch of federal program initiatives for children during the period 1975 to 1980. A rudimentary assessment of the cumulative effect of these programs in shaping the current status of adolescents is also provided. Complete information on the governing statutes within each topic area for each state and territorial jurisdiction are provided in the appendices. (Author/MP)