This document contains materials necessary for setting up a McGruff House Program in a neighborhood community. A McGruff House is described as a temporary haven for children who find themselves in emergency or frightening situations such as being bullied, followed, or hurt while walking in a neighborhood. It is noted that persons who volunteer their homes as McGruff Houses agree to provide emergency assistance for children as they go to and from school and play in the area, including telephoning appropriate authorities for help; reassuring and helping frightened or lost children; assisting children with medical emergencies; helping children who are in fear of becoming victims of personal crimes; and reporting crime to law enforcement officials. It is emphasized that McGruff Houses are not places where children can use the bathroom, get something to eat or drink, warm up or cool down; nor are they escort or babysitting services. The handbook outlines the steps necessary to start a McGruff House program. Included are sections on recruitment, application and screening, processing the approved applications, training, promotion, and monitoring and maintenance. Sample letters and forms which communities can use are provided. Key precepts about record checks, signs control, and program review are provided as unchangeable, while handouts and samples are free to be adapted to local needs. The handbook stresses the need for a school-law enforcement-parent partnership. Names and addresses for further information are given. (NB)