Russia's system of legislation has undergone rapid and major changes in recent years. The problem of juvenile delinquency has become more apparent since the dramatic political, social, and economic changes since 1991. The shift from old Russian traditions is still taking place; many of the legal and political directions remain undefined. However, the impact of the changes has been reflected in a general increase in rates of juvenile delinquency. Violent crimes committed by juveniles, the number of juvenile recidivists, group-related juvenile delinquency, and drug law offenses have all increased. These data suggest the need to replace the old punitive prevention policies with programs and legislation that balance accountability and efforts to address the needs of the juvenile and the family. A special inquiry into the relationship between family programs and delinquency was initiated in 1995 in partial response to this need. Juvenile justice in Russia is likely to undergo major changes as Russian society continues to evolve. Table, figure, footnotes, and 24 references