This booklet presents guidelines for the development of various types of 24-hour crisis nurseries designed to counter or prevent child abuse by providing parents with emergency relief from child care. Such centers accommodate small groups of children for a limited maximum time, ranging from 72 hours to six months. Topics covered are: types of nurseries, funding, staff, policies and procedures, and public awareness. Two model programs (an emergency shelter and a residential treatment center) are discussed in terms of goals, functions and logistics (location, number of children and duration of stay). Options for local, state or federal funding and the comparative advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. Staff composition and training are discussed, and special staffing needs relating to care of abused or neglected children are considered. A section on policies and procedures deals with possible center misuse by parents, relationships with local social service agencies, laws relating to child abuse reporting standards, and admission procedures. Involvement of the media in encouraging client self-referral is discussed. (BF)