A MAJOR TREND IN JUVENILE JUSTICE AND OTHER SOCIAL PROGRAMS IN THE 1970'S IS TOWARD DEINSTITUTIONALIZATION. THIS TREND HAS PLACED INCREASED SCRUTINY ON SUCH INSTITUTIONS AS JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITIES. THIS PAPER FIRST EXAMINES THE HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF JUVENILE DETENTION, FROM THE INITIAL PARENS PATRIAE PHILOSOPHY TO THE RECENT CONCERNS WITH DUE PROCESS IN THE DETENTION SETTING. THE VARIABLES INFLUENCING THE PRE-DETENTION DECISION-MAKING PROCESS ARE EXAMINED FOR THREE SYSTEMS: THE POLICE, THE INTAKE SECTION OF THE PROBATION DEPARTMENT, AND THE JUVENILE COURT. THE LITERATURE SHOWS THAT CLEAR GUIDELINES ON DETENTION ARE OFTEN LACKING, AND THAT MANY DECISIONS ARE BASED ON NON-LEGAL FACTORS. IN EXAMINING THE FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS OF JUVENILE DETENTION, SERIOUS DEFICIENCIES IN THE CONDITIONS AND AVAILABILITY OF TREATMENT WERE ALSO FOUND. ONE POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE DETENTION PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE REGIONAL DETENTION, IN WHICH RELATED GROUPS OF COUNTIES UTILIZE A SINGLE FACILITY. THE NEED FOR ALTERNATIVES TO SECURE DETENTION, ESPECIALLY FOR NEGLECTED CHILDREN AND STATUS OFFENDERS IS EMPHASIZED. SUCH EXISTING ALTERNATIVES AS YOUTH SERVICE BUREAUS, COMMUNITY SUPERVISION, GROUP HOMES, FOSTER HOMES, AND HOME DETENTION ARE EXAMINED.