Because France never had detention centers or borstals, all political parties and government agencies recognized the need for a cooperative, nonrepressive approach to youth crime. The summer camps initiated in 1982 have been remarkably successful, as evidenced by a decrease over the summer months in the crime rates of large cities. The camps fall into three types: subsidies for existing organizations which traditionally offer summer activities; new activities, such as camps organized by the army or ones focusing on sports or theatrical activities; and mobilizing groups of young people to claim grants for local projects. Programs offered by Clichy, a Paris suburb, demonstrate how well-organized and comprehensive the summer camp program has become in 5 years. Youth centers are another key feature of the youth crime prevention policy. All cities and most large towns have centers which provide a place for young people from 16 to 25 years old to discuss problems of employment, housing, and finance with knowledgeable people who can help them. Long-range goals and contributions of the youth program to social integration are discussed.