This 2-year study involved visits to eight secure and nine limited-secure facilities and analyses of statistics, rules and regulations, policies, and procedures. This 1980 study is an update on a similar 1969 study of the New York State Training School System, which found a system that 'warehoused' large numbers of children, providing little more than custody and control. The 1980 study found that many of the recommendations of the 1969 report have been implemented. The institutions, except for two, provide residents with academic education, vocational training, counseling, and indoor and outdoor recreation. Except for the same two facilities, food and physical care appear adequate. The exceptions are Oneida and the Secure Center at the Bronx State Psychiatric Center. A significant number of blacks occupy management and line positions, but the same cannot be said for Hispanics. Overall progress has been made despite the fact that at no time have the State legislature and the Governor provided sufficient appropriations for the development of the facilities or the political influence that can challenge debilitating community pressures. Recommendations cover the provision of adequate resources, the establishment of the ombudsperson unit, the development of a reception/assessment center, the use of educational and work release programs, and the use of evaluations for various aspects of the services provided. Appendixes contain descriptions of the 17 facilities, the Juvenile Offender and Designated Felony statutes, comments from staff and youth, data on 1980 admissions, and a description of study procedures.