The strategy provides communities with a framework for preventing delinquency; intervening in early delinquent behavior; and responding to serious, violent, and chronic offending. The strategy is designed to strengthen the family in its role to instill moral principles and provide guidance and support to children. It also supports core social institutions in their role to develop capable, mature, and responsible youth. The strategy also recognizes that delinquency prevention is the most cost- effective approach in combating youth crime. It calls for intervening immediately and effectively when delinquent behavior first occurs, so as to ensure that appropriate sanctions for misconduct are delivered in a timely fashion. Another principle is to identify and control the small group of serious, violent, and chronic offenders through a range of graduated sanctions, including placement in secure facilities. The strategy includes an intervention component that incorporates a continuum of graduated sanctions and treatment options for juvenile offenders. The continuum includes immediate sanctions for first-time and minor offenders, intermediate sanctions for serious and repeat offenders, and secure care for violent and chronic offenders who are dangerous to their communities. 6 references