Subjects included 382 urban and 93 suburban youth incarcerated in Ohio Department of Youth Services (ODYS) facilities and 102 youth incarcerated in the Cuyahoga County Youth Development Center (YDC). Compared to YDC youth, ODYS youth were more likely to be male, black, and older, and to have committed violent and property offenses. Of ODYS youth, 100 percent had prior adjudications, as compared to 76 percent of YDC youth. At 1 year postrelease, dropout rates were 65.4 percent for ODYS and 69.6 percent for YDC youth. For ODYS youth, continuation in school was related to early release, only one ODYS commitment, satisfactory discharge, required school attendance, and success in other areas such as employment. YDC youth who were male, younger, on aftercare and employed or in the employment program were more likely to remain in school than other YDC youth. A higher proportion of YDC youth (65.8 percent) than ODYS youth (54.9 percent) had further documented juvenile or adult arrests, although a greater proportion of ODYS youth continued into the adult criminal justice system. For ODYS youth, recidivism was related to dropping out of school, serious academic deficits, and more than one juvenile incarceration. Out-of-home placement, academic deficits, and family problems were related to recidivism of YDC youth. Results suggest a need for improved transition and employment services and alternative education options. Figures, tables, and 11 references.