The book's first section provides a framework for organizing information about delinquency. It lays the groundwork for understanding the interconnections between beliefs about delinquency, assumptions about who the delinquents are, theories of delinquency causation, and delinquency control programs. It also includes a summary of research findings on which youths are most likely to become involved with the juvenile justice system. A second major section of the book focuses on why adolescents break the law. This includes a survey of major sociological and psychological theories that purport to explain delinquency. Special attention is given to the influence of families on delinquency. The third major section addresses the programs and treatment methods commonly used with juvenile delinquents. This includes a review of the juvenile justice system (police, courts, and corrections). The final major section considers juveniles with multiple problems, notably alcohol and drug abuse as well as victimization through parental abuse and neglect. A 184-item annotated bibliography and a subject index