The research team focused specifically on the mental health needs of youth in the 17 secure detention homes in Virginia. So as to form a credible database for the report, an assessment of the mental health status of detained youths was conducted during 1 week in April 1994. There were 677 youths in detention; 605 participated in the study. The assessment consisted of a combination of individual psychological interviews and standard clinical assessment instruments, as well as a search of facility records. Using this approach, youths were assigned to these five categories, representing their assessed level of mental health problems. The results of the evaluations and data analysis show that, on any given day, 8-10 percent of youths in secure detention homes have serious mental health problems that require immediate attention. The data also show that few (14 percent) of the youths who require immediate mental health treatment were receiving any services. There is also a need for mental health services for the additional 39 percent of youths in the "moderate" category who do not need immediate intervention but will require mental health services in association with their continuing involvement with the juvenile justice system or as part of the larger continuum of community services. There was team consensus regarding the need to provide assessment and evaluation, crisis intervention, counseling, and medical services in the 17 secure detention homes, as well as staff consultation and training for secure detention homes, community service boards, and mental health residential providers. There is concern that priority be assigned to two areas: development of an intake or community-based method of addressing the mental health needs of youths who were identified in the moderate category, as well as monitoring progress toward implementation of recommendations related to providing services to youths in need while in detention. Appended relevant forms and legislation