Specific criteria should be followed, which will result in the release or placement in nonsecure detention of 60 percent of the children now being locked up. No additional detention centers should be built. North Carolina should focus on the use of home detention, nonsecure alternatives to detention such as shelter care and emergency foster care, and short-term holding homes and transportation arrangements for rural counties with infrequent cases needing secure custody. The 1983 State law prohibiting incarceration of children in adult jails should be upheld. Study data, 11 end notes, and 15 references are supplied. Descriptions of nonresidential and residential programs for juveniles are appended. (Author summary modified)