The report focuses on a review of contemporary practices and laws specifically related to the detention of juveniles in adult jails and in detention facilities throughout the U.S., an analysis of rates of placement of youths in jails and juvenile detention in the 50 States in 1971, and a report on detention facilities and services based on an analysis of 1966 data obtained from the Pappenfort, Kilpatrick, and Kuby Census of Children's Institutions. The study concluded that nearly 1 million juveniles were being held in adult jails or juvenile detention facilities each year; that figure compared to an annual total of 85,109 youths held in all public training schools, halfway houses, camps, and group homes in the U.S. The report documented gross overuse of secure custody for youth who may be processed through the juvenile justice system, the overrepresentation of minority and poor youth held in jail and detention, and the poor conditions in U.S. jails and most detention facilities. Recommendations focused on proposed legislation, court procedures, and physical facilities and programs. 1 appendix and 76 references