Interpersonal violence is a complex phenomenon that varies by type, etiology, context, and severity. Youth are overrepresented as both victims and perpetrators of violence. Practitioners and researchers agree that the most effective programs are comprehensive and integrated and incorporate multiple strategies at multiple levels in multiple settings. Disagreement exists about what types of initiative to fund and where to implement the initiatives. Four types of educational strategies to reduce youth violence are training in conflict management skills, youth-oriented programs, psychoeducational strategies, and family-based educational strategies. Each approach has strengths and weaknesses. Obstacles to overcome in adopting such approaches are their enormous cost and the tremendous variation in local conditions. The first step is to conduct a thorough needs assessment, with emphasis on the strengths and creativity among parents and youth who are coping under adverse conditions, the nature of the violence to which young people are exposed, the specific norm-driven and individual-driven triggers that lead to violent confrontations. These efforts also need to benefit from the human capital in inner cities by engaging adolescents and parents in purposeful, meaningful, and regular activities that allow prosocial opportunities and address their material circumstances. 117 references