As a result of these factors, although juvenile violent crime is decreasing, legislatures still advocate a punitive approach to young offenders. Legislative initiatives have resulted in determinate sentencing for juveniles, more young people handled by the adult criminal courts, and more young people sentenced to adult institutions. Recent evidence suggests the public supports more prevention and early intervention strategies for young people and favors rehabilitation over punishment. These conflicting trends suggest the juvenile justice system is at a crossroads. The system can continue a harsh reactive stance or it can choose a more proactive approach. The author believes members of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences have an opportunity to play an active role in the development of effective juvenile justice system policy. Effects of ideology, politics, and the media on juvenile justice system policy are discussed, with emphasis on race, juvenile justice reform, legislative initiatives, school safety, and political dimensions of juvenile crime. 57 references