In response to the challenge of defining the juvenile court for the 21st century, there are five encouraging developments that suggest optimism in assessing future directions for juvenile justice: crime is decreasing and the trend is continuing; as a result, issues other than crime are receiving public and political attention; there is increasing evidence of effective prevention programs and intervention strategies; there is public support for prevention and treatment programs; and alternative models of juvenile justice have been developed. An alternative to the abolitionist perspective favored by Feld (1993) is the vision of preserving the juvenile court with some modifications. Rather than adhering to a strict punishment or treatment model, juvenile justice in the 21st century will be characterized by a multifaceted approach that will incorporate three models: Prevention, Education, and Treatment (PET); Balance and Restorative Justice (BARJ); and Retribution, Adultification, and Punishment (RAP). The PET model symbolizes the philosophical orientation of the original juvenile court. In this model, there is increasing reliance on prevention/early intervention programs to deter youth from offending. The BARJ model emphasizes accountability, public safety, and competency development for juveniles. The RAP model rejects earlier perspectives on youth and adolescence and supports a tough, punitive approach in dealing with youthful offenders. Even though get-tough political rhetoric and "adultification" legislation have characterized juvenile justice in the last 15 years, the juvenile justice system will continue with its mission to help youthful offenders and reduce delinquency. 90 references