No definitive theory of the causes of violent juvenile crime exists. However, the theoretical model of the United State's Violent Juvenile Offender Program appears to have considerable explanatory potential. It incorporates both individual and environmental factors through an integration of control theory, strain theory, and social learning theory. The existing effective programs are varied. Some are based in institutions and some are community-based. Some serve only violent offenders and others serve various types of offenders. All the programs assume that violent juvenile offenders are a heterogeneous group. The programs provide individualized packages of services to each client based on an assessment at intake. The programs often combine individual, group, and family counseling; education; and job training and placement. Other components are life skills training, personal health care, and recreational programs. The programs emphasize reintegration into the community. They provide optimal opportunities for clients to take part in both personal and program decisions. These effective programs also have more and better trained staff than most correctional programs. Intensive staffing rather than hardware provides security. The long-term savings of the programs are probably greater than their short-term costs. Five notes and 37 references.