The data on security level as of January 14, 1997 came from the 212 female offenders. Thirty-four percent were minimum security, 49 percent were medium security, and 17 percent were maximum security. The maximum-security female offenders were significantly younger than their counterparts in minimum and medium security. Sixty-two percent of the female offenders designated maximum security were serving sentences for violent assaults or robberies, compared to 46 percent of those designated medium security and only 17 percent of minimum-security female offenders. Seven percent of those designated minimum security, 30 percent of those in medium security, and 54 percent of those in maximum security had previous juvenile court experience. The offenders in maximum security were also more likely than the others to have had a previous escape or report of being unlawfully at large on their criminal records. There were also more than twice as likely as the others to have been placed in segregation for disciplinary reasons. The groups also differed with respect to needs assessed at intake. Furthermore, the women in maximum security were at higher risk for suicide than the others. Findings suggested more needs and higher risk as security level increased and indicated that the assignment of security and custody levels is proceeding in a manner commensurate with risk and need. Tables, appended figures and lists of assessment indicators, and 9 references