Far fewer girls and boys were confined for status offenses in public training schools and detention centers in 1987 than in 1977. Girls were more likely than boys to be confined for status offenses and less serious delinquency offenses in 1987. The study also reveals striking State by State differences in incarceration practices by gender. The authors present suggestions for juvenile justice policy and research development. 6 tables, 6 notes, and 19 references. (Author abstract)