The foundation of effective delinquency prevention is solid empirical research. To build this foundation, OJJDP has supported numerous research efforts that have increased our understanding about the developmental pathways to juvenile crime and delinquency. This body of research has been instrumental in the evolution of juvenile justice, providing empirical evidence and support for an integrated, community-based, response to juvenile crime. Based in part on findings from three landmark studies—The Program of Research on the Causes and Correlates of Delinquency, Foundations of Risk and Protection Focused Prevention, and The Study Group on Serious and Violent and Juvenile Offenders—OJJDP published its Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent, and Chronic Juvenile Offenders (Wilson & Howell, 1993). The Comprehensive Strategy was designed to provide State and local policy makers and practitioners with a research-based framework of strategic responses—from early prevention through a range of appropriate and graduated sanctions—that support efforts to reduce juvenile crime and delinquency. Together, delinquency prevention programs, early intervention, and graduated sanctions provide a "continuum of services" with the goal of involving the community in preventing and stopping the progression of delinquent and criminal careers. The Comprehensive Strategy typifies OJJDP's balanced and integrated response to delinquency.

The prevention component of the Comprehensive Strategy calls for coordinated efforts between the juvenile justice system and other service systems, including mental health, health, child welfare, education, religious institutions, and others. Working collaboratively, these community sectors can develop an integrated system of support that encourages positive youth development and provides alternatives to delinquent behavior.

The Title V Community Prevention Grants Program supports the prevention component of OJJDP's Comprehensive Strategy. The Community Prevention Grants Program embodies the key elements of what is known to be effective prevention: a comprehensive, risk-focused approach with community-based activities that address all areas affecting young people's lives (i.e., their family, school, peers, and community). The Community Prevention Grants Program supports prevention activities consistent with the Comprehensive Strategy by providing a funding incentive to encourage multi-disciplinary community leaders to engage in systematic, research-based community assessments and to develop comprehensive, collaborative plans to prevent delinquency.

Exhibit 1 demonstrates the relationship between the Community Prevention Grants Program and the Comprehensive Strategy. In serving as the "front-end" or prevention component of this approach, the Title V Community Prevention Grants Program provides the foundation needed for a strong juvenile justice system and safe, healthy communities.