The program aimed to deter potential youthful criminals by making them aware of the consequences of criminal behavior. The youths received a tour of the facility and listened to a group of long-term inmates describe prison life. Initially, the program thrived and was imitated in 37 States and two foreign countries. However, today it has lost most of its clientele, support, function, and morale. Whereas, the inmates once held 2 sessions with juveniles a day, 5 days a week, the number has declined to about 1 or 2 a week. This change was the result of a number of factors. First, the documentary film, 'Scared Straight,' concentrated on the program's scare-deterrence experience and virtually ignored the inmates' insight and restraint, which were more subtle efforts at dismantling their positions as role models for future criminals. In the wake of publicity resulting from the film, community leaders complained that the inmates were pursuing their own interests in gaining early parole and favors at the prison. Furthermore, a 1979 study, the Finckenauer Report, indicated that within 6 months of program participation, juveniles committed more crimes than a comparable group of nonparticipants. Unfortunately, langer's more comprehensive study using a larger study group and more refined methods was completed only after public attention had waned and the program had suffered from extensive negative publicity. The Langer study examined subjects' behavior 3 years prior to program participation and included a 22-month average followup period to account for overall effects on the maturing process. The program was shown to have significant positive effects on the participants' long-term behavior. A re-examination of the program is recommended in the interests of juvenile rehabilitation and academic responsibility. A reference list is not included. Photographs are provided.