The efforts of the Colorado Division of Youth Services to develop a program that would reduce the inappropriate use of secure detention of juveniles by providing intake/screening units and various nonsecure alternative detention services are described. Program goals are discussed and criteria on which detention decisions were based for the Arapahoe Detention Alternatives Program (ADAP) are outlined. The process of evaluating each youth based on these criteria and on an interview to determine if she/he could be released to parents or placed in a nonsecure alternative before recommending secure detention is described. The role of the intake staff is discussed in detail and the need for cooperation from various agencies involved in law enforcement and social services is emphasized. Several alternatives to secure detention are explained, including home detention, family shelter, and group shelter. An evaluation of the program is included which focuses on referrals to the program and population changes, recidivism rates, and fiscal results. In conclusion, the success of the ADAP is outlined, the current status of the program is described, and the development of additional intake programs in other Colorado youth detention centers and at many jails throughout the state is noted. (NRB)