This manual provides guidelines for the planning and development of shelter care projects as alternatives for juveniles facing pretrial detention, and suggestions for improving the quality of services in existing shelters. A six-phase planning process for establishing a shelter care service is outlined, with planning activities and narrative descriptions for completing each phase. The issues of staffing requirements, job descriptions, personnel policies, staff training, and staff burnout are addressed. Essential, supplementary, and specialized services provided by shelter care are described. Funding and fiscal policies are examined. Shelter care operations discussed include intake and referral; discipline and behavior management; daily routines; chores and maintenance; case files; emergency procedures; visits, mail, and phone privileges; and release procedures. The relationship between shelter care facilities and the community is explored in discussions of public relations, media contacts, and working with private and public agencies in the community. A chapter on program monitoring and assessment includes sections on performance evaluation, information management systems, and employee assessment. Numerous appendices are included which list criteria for admission into shelter care and provide formats for evaluation, design options, and the various forms and reports associated with shelter care. (NRB)