Since the creation of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act in 1974, "jail removal" has become a priority at national and state levels. There has been a power struggle between the presidential administration and a coalition of States from 1980 through 1988. This above mentioned struggle has effected policy in the States. This case study examines the relationship between the State of Illinois and the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, as well as that between the state and local governments. The study concluded that jail removal efforts in Illinois have been hindered by the above mentioned political conflicts. 1 figure, 10 references. (Author abstract)