The article includes a statistical review of the nature and consequences of crime committed by "tender age" children, i.e., those under 13 years of age. It discusses juvenile competency and the challenges such a concept poses to prosecution of very young children in delinquency proceedings. It outlines the essential elements of a proposed Illinois civil prosecution statute and critiques the statute. It reviews research on prevention and intervention programs aimed at meeting the needs of problem youth while at the same time protecting the public. The article discusses the strengths and weaknesses of a civil prosecution alternative and, while supporting the general concept, recommends changes in the Illinois model. The article refers to data suggesting that family-based interventions can successfully alter a child's life course of delinquency. The civil prosecution alternative is one model for ensuring that young children who commit serious crimes receive the services they need and the close scrutiny that the public demands. Notes