The chapter examines the literature concerning how families, peers, schools and the community affect delinquency in ways that both reduce and increase the commission of delinquent behaviors, including drug use and gang behavior. The article draws on the results to make recommendations for prevention and intervention strategies. The focus of this article was determined by two major factors. First, the literature demonstrates the powerful influence of families, peers, school and the community on juvenile offending. Second, when incarcerated delinquents were questioned about the causes of delinquency, they most frequently mentioned family issues, followed by peer influences and drugs as well as schools and some community issues, such as poverty. The chapter concludes that more punishment is not a solution to the very complex problem of juvenile delinquency. Society must change the way it treats children in order to change their behavior. Notes, references