Five assertions are offered in considering whether existing youth opportunity systems have been operating effectively. First, the author suggests that a clear and well-defined technology of prevention is required to assess youth opportunity systems. A healthy system will be committed to an ongoing assessment of the positive technology of prevention, including the concepts, strategies, tools, skills and values such an assessment requires. Second, the creation of healthy youth opportunity systems is a direct approach to dealing with many negative environmental conditions. Whether a community is prepared to create healthy youth opportunity systems can be evaluated with use of the Community Prevention Readiness Index. Third, the author asserts that how the people who manage and control the youth opportunity system view and relate to young people is a clear indicator of the effectiveness of that system. Unless youth are viewed and respected as resources, the nature and quality of the relationship with these youth will be unlikely to promote self-esteem and positive development. Fourth, a high quality of networking is required to overcome the fragmentation of available resources. Agencies must work together, and in cooperation with the youth themselves, and not merely share information. Finally, it is unlikely that low-risk, cautious strategies will be successful. The high risk realities for youth -- including drug abuse, pregnancy, delinquency, suicide, health problems, emotional problems, violence, and unemployment defy easy solutions. Only a change in the fundamental, underlying conditions of which these problems are a symptom will result in positive change and a healthy youth opportunity system.