In planning for the detention center, the following basic criteria were established: (1) it should be near the court and community resources; (2) the living areas (clusters) should accommodate a maximum of 12 youths in each room; (3) security should be based on design, technological devices, and staffing patterns; (4) community resources should be used; (5) it will be coeducational, with full supportive services for education, library, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor recreation, religious activities, and family counseling; (6) it must exceed State and Federal regulations; and (7) a citizens advisory committee should be appointed. The center came into being through the unusual cooperation between 14 counties, a regional planning agency, and two State agencies. Funding was supplied by Federal, State, regional, and county governments. Services are offered to precourt (short-term) and postcourt (long-term) youths. School is conducted 11 months of the year, and each resident has a work assignment. Time is provided for a full range of cultural and recreational activities as well as group and individual counseling. It is too early to evaluate the effectiveness of the new facilities and program, since the center has only been open 10 months. Youths who have been released are still being supervised on probation.