In discussing the incidence, scope, and impact of the juvenile violence epidemic, eight chapters address inner-city violence and proposals to help at-risk children, the increase in firearm use and the need for better gun-protection laws, and the negative influences of the media in exposing children and youth to images of violence. Also discussed are the impact of exposure to violence in infancy, the neurodevelopmental effects of children exposed to violence, and the early parent-child attachment relationship and its impact on future violent behaviors. The second section describes exemplary prevention and intervention programs in major cities, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. Recognizing the complexity of violence prevention, each program takes a systems approach, providing services for children and families as well as involving police, schools, courts, community centers, and health care settings. Following profiles of these programs and a review of what has been learned from their experiences, the final chapter proposes policy changes to educate the public and develop better efforts to protect children and youth from the effects of violence. For individual chapters, see NCJ-169093-108. Subject index and chapter tables, figures, and references