A 1987 survey of juvenile pretrial detention indicates an alarming increase in such detention. Further, there has been an increased use of detention facilities for commitment of youth after sentencing. Many of these facilities are overcrowded, have inadequately trained staff, and are unable to offer necessary services and programs. National standards for juvenile detention centers also have not been widely adopted, despite research showing that adopting of specific and objective detention criteria can achieve substantial reductions in detained juvenile populations and reduce failures to appear and rearrest pending court appearance. Four jurisdictions have tailored their own responses in addressing the problems of juvenile detention. Some have taken administrative steps to reduce long waits in detention centers, others have developed specific criteria for detention, and some have used risk assessment instruments to classify juveniles on the need for detention or eligibility for release. As models they offer guidance to other jurisdictions in meeting Council recommendations for upgrading juvenile detention policies and practices. Recommendations are appended.