The structure and size of pretrial and preadjudication facilities for juveniles vary tremendously across the country. Minimum standards require that they supply an educational program, visits with parents and guardians, private communication with visitors and staff, food, medical care, counseling, continuous supervision, and recreation and exercise. Because detention is a transitional community, it cannot be operated solely on notions of custody and care limited to time at the facility. Rather, detention should be viewed as an opportunity to intervene by promoting the child's relationship with family and community and increasing the child's potential to become a productive member of society. 18 endnotes.