The concept and implementation of direction services, a one step center offering assistance to parents of handicapped children, are traced. Three basic functions of the federally funded direction service centers are noted: to help locate and provide access to the most appropriate resources for handicapped children and youth; to collect and maintain information on all services and resources available; and to develop relationships among agencies that promote coordinated services to children. Future trends in direction services are offered from perspectives of families, educational managers, and community human service planners. A section on funding and additional resources is followed by five appendixes, including a sampling of case studies, descriptive summaries of 25 demonstration projects, and demographic data for each project. (CL)