The Violent Juvenile Offender Research and Development Program aimed to reduce violent crime in specific locations by mobilizing residents to strengthen neighborhood cohesion and make local institutions more responsive. Its conceptual framework was based on social control and learning theories. Each local version of the program involved an ongoing needs assessment through which neighborhood resident councils planned and revised their efforts. Each local program was required to include crisis intervention, mediation, family support networking, and youth skills development. After 36 months of planning and implementation, serious juvenile crime declined in three of the six target neighborhoods, compared to their respective cities. Most programs developed means of financial support to carry on all or part of the effort after Federal funding ended. Community-led programs that emphasize advocacy and institutional mediation appear to be more effective than traditional social services in mobilizing residents to prevent juvenile crime and violence. Figures, table, and 10 footnotes. (Author abstract modified)