The OJJDP seeks to develop programs with the greatest potential for reducing juvenile delinquency and improving the juvenile justice system by establishing partnerships with State, Native America, Native Alaskan, and local governments and with public and private organizations. To that end, the OJJDP has three goals that constitute the major elements of its juvenile justice and delinquency prevention policies: (1) promote delinquency prevention and early intervention efforts that reduce the flow of juvenile offenders into the juvenile justice system, the number of serious and violent offenders, and the development of chronic delinquent carers; (2) improve the juvenile justice system and the response to juvenile delinquents, status offenders, and neglected and abused children; and (3) preserve public safety in a way that serves the appropriate development and best use of secure detention and corrections options while fostering the use of community-based programs for juvenile offenders. Public comments on the OJJDP's comprehensive plan for fiscal year 1996 are provided that specifically concern the effectiveness of programs initiated by the OJJDP. Fiscal year 1996 programs of the OJJDP are listed, along with field research and technical assistance activities, selected program descriptions, and measures for strengthening the juvenile justice system.