The characteristics of people arrested for homicide in the United States have changed dramatically since 1968. Arrestees are increasingly young, poor, and members of ethnic minorities. Although the general homicide arrest rate doubled from 1968 to 1993, the involvement by juveniles more than tripled; this increase has occurred during a time when the number of juveniles in America has been declining. Several factors contribute to this increase in youth violence. They include external factors such as maltreatment, a lack of role models, exposure to violence, poverty, and access to guns and drugs, as well as internal factors such as boredom, poor judgment, prejudice, and feelings of recklessness. In addressing violence, the author recommends that schools, families, and government leaders emphasize the importance of parenting and parenting skills while providing services to help children learn about and cope with the consequences of dysfunctional families. The author also advocates the passage of gun-control laws and the facilitation of media responsibility and community support systems. 27 footnotes