European countries have gradually developed juvenile justice systems and protection for young people that have the following characteristics: broad discretionary powers for judges in juvenile courts; abandonment of the principle that punishment must be in proportion to the seriousness of the crime; emphasis on assistance and treatment rather than on punishment; and relatively informal juvenile proceedings with limited publicity. In addition, important economic and social changes have occurred in Western societies that affect juvenile justice system approaches. Technological development, economic advances, a higher standard of living, the influx of women into the labor market, extended schooling, and more leisure time have contributed to a radical change in family patterns, the position of women, and the status of children. Further, demographic changes in a number of European countries have resulted in a decreased proportion of youth in the general population. While caution is needed when using juvenile delinquency statistics, these statistics indicate that juvenile delinquency has not qualitatively increased in recent years in Europe. Recommendations of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers focus on prevention, diversion, mediation, intervention, and research. An annex contains the recommendation of this Committee on social reactions to juvenile delinquency. 7 notes