While the symptoms of violence must be treated, the challenge is in confronting the causes. Prevention is possible, but will require the combined efforts of the Federal, State, and local Governments and the community. Violence is one manifestation of community conditions including community structure and institutions, economic health and employment, and parental and community controls. Preventing youthful violence requires making youth partners in the social contract. A new policy must be forged toward teens that involves both programs and the processes that provide them with opportunities for responsible contribution as well as needed services. Federal strategies should include early childhood education, research and information dissemination and economic and service policies that provide support for families, children, and communities. Local strategies are needed that draw on the resources of schools, churches, businesses, civic groups, and local service providers.