After summarizing three juvenile justice models, the report discusses rationales underlying the draft United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Administration of Juvenile Justice. Varying definitions of youth and age limits of criminal responsibility are explored. Other areas addressed include the dangers of labeling, decriminalization of certain offenses, diversion, and institutionalization of juveniles. Guidelines for the fair treatment of youth focus on preserving a juvenile offender's well-being, nonpunitive intervention, proportionality, protection of basic rights, equality, and fair treatment for female offenders. The paper examines the dimensions and characteristics of juvenile criminality, with attention to young women involved in crime, drug abuse, and violence. A review of socioeconomic contributors to juvenile crime focuses on lack of requisite physical and mental health support, discrimination, value conflict, rural to urban migration, use of leisure time, and impact of mass media. Prevention strategies consider the family's role, education, the community, and police-juvenile relations. The final sections propose cooperative prevention efforts at regional, international, and interagency levels. Footnotes.