This article reports data from recent studies on suicidal ideation, prior hospitalization, suicide attempts, & suicide completions in USA juvenile institutions. Studies include: 1993 national study on conditions of confinement in juvenile facilities; State of Virginia evaluation of 4,000 adolescents for institutional placement (1989-92); 1990 Florida detention center study of 399 youth, & USA Children in Custody Census surveys (data collection since 1989). 4 case examples are included.