Previous research on communities and crime has focused largely on structural factors thought to affect later adolescent and adult motivation to crime. In contrast, this paper draws on social disorganization theory linked with the concept of "social capital" (Coleman, 1990), which features the embeddedness of families and children in the social networks of local communities. The paper argues that community structure plays a significant role in facilitating or inhibiting the creation of social capital (social structures that facilitate action) among families and children. The author examines how factors such as prenatal care, child abuse, the monitoring and supervision of youth, and other family management practices are intertwined with community networks of social organization. This in turn influences rates of delinquency and crime. 3 notes and 62 references