This data collection, the first survey of youths confined to long-term, state-operated institutions, was undertaken to complement existing Children in Custody censuses. It also serves as a companion to the Surveys of State Prisons, allowing comparisons between adult and juvenile populations. The survey provides detailed information on the characteristics of youths held primarily in secure settings within the juvenile justice system. The data contain information on criminal histories, family situations, drug and alcohol use, and peer group activities. For youths committed for violent acts, data are available on the victims of their crimes and on weapon use.

ICPSR makes available the Children in Custody census files under the titles JUVENILE DETENTION AND CORRECTIONAL FACILITY CENSUS, 1971 (ICPSR 7637), 1973 (ICPSR 7639), 1974 (ICPSR 7706), 1975 (ICPSR 7707), 1977 (ICPSR 7758), 1979 (ICPSR 7846), 1982-1983 (ICPSR 8205), 1984-1985 (ICPSR 8495), and CENSUS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE JUVENILE DETENTION, CORRECTIONAL, AND SHELTER FACILITIES, 1986-1987 (ICPSR 8973), 1988-1989 (ICPSR 9445), and 1990-1991 (ICPSR 9824). The Surveys of State Prisons are available under the titles SURVEY OF INMATES OF STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES, 1974 (ICPSR 7811), 1979 (ICPSR 7856), 1986 (ICPSR 8711), and 1991 (ICPSR 6068).

Datasets: DS0: Study-Level Files DS1: Main Data File DS2: SAS Proc Format Statements

All youths in long-term, state-operated juvenile institutional facilities.

Stratified systematic random sample.