Although there are a number of categories of homeless youth, this paper focuses on those who become homeless in their mid to late teens and find it difficult to break the cycle of homelessness. Such youth are trapped in the subculture of street life and are at high risk of engaging in behavior that will draw a police response. They typically abuse drugs and alcohol, drive recklessly, fail to observe basic health-care requirements, and engage in high-risk sexual activity and needle sharing. Such juveniles require an integrated, holistic response from public agencies that addresses the root causes of the delinquency of homeless youth. Victoria has devised such a strategy. This strategy recognizes that policing is only one crime-prevention mechanism and that socioeconomic, cultural, environmental, and personal factors require a more coordinated and proactive response. One such program is called "Crossroads." It is a network of programs that provide accommodation, employment experience, and access to income support and other needed services. Other types of programs in Victoria that are relevant to the needs of homeless youth are diversionary programs that prevent institutionalization, adolescent/parent mediation, and a program to help youth who are at risk of self-harm. 28 references