DETENTION IS DEFINED AS THE TEMPORARY CARE OF CHILDREN WHO REQUIRE SECURE CUSTODY FOR THEIR OWN OR THE COMMUNITY'S PROTECTION, PENDING COURT DISPOSITION. THE DOCUMENT STATES THAT JAIL DETENTION OF CHILDREN, THE PREVALENT RECOURSE, IS DEMORALIZING, UNFIT, AND OFTEN UNNECESSARY. NEEDS ARE STATED TO INCLUDE (1) ADEQUATE PROBATION SERVICES, (2) SHELTER CARE, SUCH AS SUBSIDIZING BOARDING HOMES, AND (3) DETENTION FACILITIES DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN. STATEWIDE PROGRAMS OF REGIONAL DETENTION ARE SEEN AS THE ONLY HOPE FOR ELIMINATING JAIL DETENTION FOR CHILDREN. THIS PAPER WAS PREPARED FOR PRESENTATION AT THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PROBLEMS OF RURAL YOUTH IN A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT (SEPTEMBER 1963). (SF)