An estimated 500,000 juveniles a year are held in adult jails and lockups in the United States. Most of these children are confined for property or minor offenses; 18 percent are in jails for acts such as running away or for other status offenses. A recent study of 755,000 juvenile runaways by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare shows that many were not seeking adventure but were fleeing emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. A nine-State study by the Children's Defense Fund describes the dire consequences of placing children in adult jails. The rationale for such placement is examined, and the case for removal is presented in view of the requirements of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974. The successful resolution of these problems must be premised on three basic precepts: the decision to place a juvenile in a residential program must be determined by objective and specific criteria; a residential program must be viewed within the context of a network of alternative programs directed toward the use of the least restrictive setting for each youth; and the development of residential programs must be viewed from the perspective of the young persons who will be living there, not according to the views of criminal justice personnel. Home detention programs, attention homes, runaway programs, and private residential foster homes are described as alternatives to adult jails. The concept of the juvenile services center is advocated, as well as community involvement to prevent juveniles from being inappropriately confined. Tables, illustrations, and diagrams are provided. Appendixes provide information about technical assistance, State Planning Agencies, and Youth Advocacy Resources. Approximately 40 references are given.