Mandated in 1976, the '286' program permits the court service units to refer children into the program who exhibit behaviors which cannot be controlled in the community and for whom no resources are available in the community. Study data came from questionnaires completed by 29 judges, 31 directors of court service units, and 58 probation counselors. The officials were generally pleased with the program. Most would like to make more placements than they do now. Respondents from court service units which had a coordinator of special placements rated the program significantly more favorably than did respondents from units lacking a coordinator. Not all of the children placed in the program would have been committed to the Department of Corrections without the program, however. These cases need closer scrutiny. The 286 program was rated highly in its ability to work with children with special needs; the State's learning centers have never been regarded so favorably. Placements to the 286 program should expand with an accompanying reduction in the size of the learning centers. Court service units should designate a special placements coordinator. All commitments to the Department of Corrections should be accompanied by a record of why the child was not recommended for 286 placement. Program funding should increase, personnel training should be provided, and a means for temporary pending acceptance into the program should be developed. Figures, data tables, an appendix presenting the study instrument, and a bibliography listing 21 references are provided.