This report uses text, graphs, and tables to present findings of a 1996 survey of 575 adolescents voluntarily participating in residential behavioral treatment facilities in Minnesota. Compared with public school students, these adolescents were: 62 percent male, more likely to be of color, especially American Indian, and twice as likely as other youth to come from single-parent households. Other characteristics of program participants included: high rates of serious family problems (especially parental substance abuse and physical abuse); high rates of sexual abuse; elevated levels of emotional distress; high rates of attempted suicide; high rates of early sexual activity; frequent placement in special classes for learning problems; high rates of antisocial behaviors, including gang involvement and weapons; and extremely high rates of substance abuse. Specific recommendations include: provision of extensive and intensive therapeutic services in cases of physical and sexual abuse; referrals for assessments of parental substance abuse and mental health problems; therapeutic services to address responsible sexual behavior; provision of substance abuse assessment and treatment; therapeutic services focusing on gang involvement and violent behavior; and sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds and gender differences. (Contains 28 references.) (DB)