The history of the juvenile justice system is traced from its origins as protective and benevolent to the current trend of treating juveniles in a 'get tough' manner. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's positions on juvenile reform are critiqued, highlighted by examples of what are considered to be the reform's faulty assumptions. Research findings are put forth that support the authors' belief that juvenile crime is neither rampant nor becoming increasingly violent. Citing the United Nations model code on juvenile justice and recommendations made by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the authors argue for a separate system of justice for juveniles that safeguards the well-being of the young and assures that they have the right to mature and to become responsible adults. Among authors' recommendations are the following: the ensuring of individualized treatment of juvenile offenders, rehabilitation rather than punishment, training for juvenile justice personnel, and the creation of a clearinghouse to disseminate information on effective programs for juveniles. 16 references.