This pamphlet examines the question of what the proper role of the juvenile court should be. It specifically questions the wisdom of the juvenile court's involvement with children engaged in anti-social but non-criminal activity. It includes a brief discussion of the historical origin of juvenile court, along with a history of jurisdiction over the "wayward" child in Illinois. The political and social problems of juvenile court overreach are considered and several innovative legislative proposals are mentioned including: (1) The Runaway Youth Act; (2) The Illinois Unified Code of Corrections; (3) Illinois Youth Service Bureaus; and (4) The Child Advocate. Conclusions suggest that the business of juvenile court should generally be limited to offenders whose conduct would be a violation of the criminal law if committed by an adult. (Author/HMV)