California's program of youth corrections is unique compared to similar programs in other States in that it is based on the 'youthful offender's concept,' which avoids the separation of offenders according to age in favor of channeling youth to programs based on need. In the past 42 years, California has seen a significant erosion of the original philosophy underlying the Youth Authority Act. The act's supporters as well as the general public clearly desired that the State's youthful offenders have the opportunity to be committed to rehabilitative programs rather than to be sent to State prisons. Statistics compiled by the Youth Authority itself indicate that presently only a minimal number of young adults are being offered rehabilitative options based on need. An increasing number of young adult offenders not accepted by the Youth Authority are becoming the youngest members of the State prison population. California courts, while aware of the consequences of sending young offenders into the State prison system, have not yet challenged the Youth Authority's wide discretionary powers. This may be necessary to effect a change in the alarming trend. Tabular data and 87 footnotes are provided.