Admissions included youths admitted for the first time, youths admitted on a new placement following discharge from a prior placement, and parole violators. Youth service needs were identified upon entry to DFY custody, with needs initially determined by administering a series of screening instruments. The mean number of needs was 1.4 for the 1,545 admissions; 909 had substance abuse needs, 431 mental health needs, 372 special education needs, 126 needs related to sex offending, 102 physical health needs, 110 English needs, and 42 needs associated with mental retardation. Of the 1,545 youths, 1,374 were male and 171 were female. They ranged in age from less than 1 year to over 16 years of age. The racial mix included 897 blacks, 356 Hispanics, 259 whites, 13 Asians, 6 Native American, and 6 others. The most frequent placement offenses were assault, larceny, robbery, unauthorized motor vehicle use, and substance abuse. Of the 1,545 youth, 288 were placed in secure, 643 in limited secure, 599 in nonsecure, and 15 in community-based facilities. 3 tables