This planning guide is designed to assist those individuals or groups concerned with the removal of children from adult jails, and is intended to provide a methodology for needs assessment and implementation of a flexible network of alternatives at the local community level. The guide includes an overview of the problem and a narrative description of each phase of the planning process, presented in terms of: (1) organizing for planning; (2) assessing needs; (3) obtaining public input; (4) establishing policy and developing a plan; (5) implementing the plan; and (6) monitoring the system. The appendices contain sample juvenile intake and detention surveys, a list of criminal justice agencies offering technical assistance, and a bibliography. (Author/HLM)