Before developing prevention strategies, it is important to consider the nature and extent of youth crime and reasons why young people become involved in criminal or delinquent activity. It is also important to identify factors that inhibit or increase criminal tendencies. In England, the impact of crime, including youth crime, is distributed differently across the country. Youth crime rates are highest in disadvantaged urban areas where fear of crime is also highest. Young people are significantly represented in delinquent or less serious forms of criminal activity. Most, however, grow out of delinquency of their own accord without official intervention. When intervention is required, several elements are key in a strategic approach to youth crime prevention: establishing structures and mechanisms to coordinate policies, practices, and priorities; collecting information on crime patterns, social and economic conditions, and service provision; reviewing and assessing policies and practices; identifying problems in order to plan for and target new initiatives; consulting with young people and service providers to involve them; managing and targeting resources effectively; monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes; and publicizing the results of crime prevention initiatives and positive events involving young people. Schools and educational support services have an essential role to play in youth policies and youth crime prevention strategies. The school role relates to personal and social education, pastoral care, home-school support, school discipline, and truancy. Contributions of youth work and sports and leisure services to crime prevention are distinct, but complementary. Key issues in this area focus on resources, outreach, drugs, and alcohol. Because the family is a powerful factor in preventing delinquency, wider support is needed for children, young people, and families. Members of the Juvenile Crime Committee of the National Asociation for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders in England are listed in an appendix. 53 references