APPROXIMATELY 70 PERCENT OF THE 1,400 YOUTHS COMMITTED ANNUALLY TO VIRGINIA'S BOARD OF CORRECTIONS ARE PLACED IN THE LEARNING CENTERS. AN ANALYSIS OF THE PROGRAMS AND PROCEDURES OF THE LEARNING CENTERS AND THE RECEPTION AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER POINTS UP THE FOLLOWING MAJOR NEEDS: UPGRADED PHYSICAL FACILITIES; INTENSIFIED TREATMENT AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS; IMPROVED CLASSIFICATION AND PLACEMENT OF SEVERELY EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED AND/OR MENTALLY RETARDED YOUTHS; MORE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE LEARNING CENTERS; ADEQUATE MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES; A REVIEW OF SALARIES PAID LEARNING CENTER AND SCHOOL EMPLOYEES; AND AN IMPROVED RECREATIONAL PROGRAM. IT IS POINTED OUT THAT MANY OF THE PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED IN THE ANALYSIS PREVAIL THROUGHOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REFLECT ISSUES TYPICAL OF THOSE FACING OTHER STATE AGENCIES. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE PRESENTED RELATIVE TO PHYSICAL FACILITIES, ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL, INTAKE, TREATMENT AND DISCIPLINE, STUDENTS' RIGHTS, REHABILITATIVE SCHOOL AUTHORITY, MEDICAL SERVICES, AND RECREATION. SUPPORTING DATA AND GLOSSARY ARE INCLUDED. (LKM)