Following the publicized sexual assaults of two male status offenders in the county detention center, there was a dramatic decline in the juvenile detention rate. To determine why this decline occurred, a pre and posttest research design was developed to collect data from March 1979 when 'standard' detention practices were in effect and from September 1979 when modified detention practices were used following the alleged assaults in the detention center. Data were obtained on detention rates, detention criteria, placement setting following arrest, rearrest, and failure to appear. Findings show that strict adherence to specific and objective detention criteria was one of the primary factors contributing to the reduced detention rate. Expanded availability of nonsecure placement alternatives and 24-hour detention screening operationalized the detention criteria. The result was a marked increase in nonsecure placements and a substantial increase in the number of children released to their families. This was achieved without an increase in total rearrests prior to final case disposition and only a small increase in the number of failures to appear for court hearings. Tabular data and six footnotes are provided.