Adolescents entering the juvenile justice system, especially those detained, face many challenges and are at high risk for recidivism. Family functioning upon release from detention plays a critical role in the rehabilitation trajectory of delinquents. This article examines the relationship between incarcerated youths’ sense of their families’ functioning and their perceived likelihood for post-detention success. Information was gathered from surveys of incarcerated adolescents in two Nevada secure youth detention facilities during the spring of 2001. The sample was comprised of 197 male and female detainees from 2 facilities, inside and outside the city of Las Vegas. The findings reveal that positive family functioning can be a powerful support mechanism for adolescents preparing for the challenges of post-detention life. This endorses the growing movement toward family focused interventions for delinquents. Study limitations are presented and discussed. Appendix and references