The JDC conducted a survey of its members and several key detention administrators across the Nation. This information was used to establish the top 10 priorities for juvenile detention in the 1990's. They are staff training, adequacy of resources, crowding, absence of a professional career ladder, inappropriate detention, deteriorating physical plants, clear role definition, elimination of sentencing to secure detention, elimination of the secure detention of status offenders, and uniform requirement for programs. The JDC also approved minimum qualifications for the position of direct care worker in juvenile detention. Among the research projects supported by JDC were a third national survey of juvenile detention and a survey on the detention of repeat status offenders. For personnel entering the field of juvenile detention or for interested practitioners, the JDC compiled a reading list for detention services. The JDC sought to clarify the definition of detention through the development of three position papers on critical topics: status offenders, sentencing to detention, and accreditation. The JDC's most important accomplishment was the unanimous endorsement of a definition of juvenile detention at the Denver Congress on August 14, 1988 (See NCJ-116798).