The 5-year research project gathered information from 1,200 administrators and staff members and 1,800 juveniles. Results indicated that disproportionately large numbers of minority youths are assigned to juvenile correctional programs, but minorities are underrepresented among program staff and administrative groups. Similarly, females are underrepresented among administrators, even in all-female and coeducational programs. Disproportionate numbers of female status offenders were also found in correctional programs, particularly in institutions. In addition, institutions tended to rely mainly on control and punishment than on rehabilitation. Moreover, States varied widely in the rates of youth commitments to correctional institutions, the number and type of community-based correctional programs, and the structure of programming. The analysis concluded that many youths are inappropriately confined and that the institutional climates tend to increase rather than decrease problem behavior. Reforms must begin with a focus on the statutory, structural, and administrative arrangements that support the existing nonrational patterns and practices. Figures, tables, and appended methodological information, additional tables, and 36 references