The program arose from the awareness of severe overcrowding and inappropriate confinement of some youths in the six detention centers in the State. The Arapahoe Youth Center in Arapahoe County was chosen as the initial site for a progra to try to reduce the inappropriate use of secure detention by providing intake and screening units and various nonsecure alternative detention services. The program reduced both the numbers of youths in secure detention and the average length of stay. Recidivism did not change; nor did rates of failure to appear in court. The project was so successful that the legislature decided to close the center. The alternatives program was more cost-effective than the previous approach. The program has become a regular budget item under the State general fund. Additional intake programs have been developed in all other Colorado youth detention centers as well as at many jails. Footnotes and a data table are supplied.