Between 1984 and 1989, a 20 percent decline occurred in the number of approved places in local authority secure units, and secure accommodation was not evenly distributed around the country. Of 1,417 young people admitted to secure units, 85 percent were between 14 and 16 years of age. The length of time young people spent in secure units varied considerably, but most placements were of relatively short duration. The proportion of those accommodated on Section 53 orders (long-term detention following very serious offending) reached 28 percent, an 18 percent increase over 1984. Differences were observed in the use of secure accommodation for males and females. Alternatives to secure units were available to young people in some areas, including closely supported independent living arrangements, intensive outdoor activity courses, and children's homes. Recommendations to improve secure unit accommodation for juvenile offenders in England are offered. An appendix tabulates data on the number and rate of admissions to secure units throughout England during the year ending March 31, 1989. 1 table and 3 figures