The two research projects were designed to complement the National Evaluation of "On Track," which is a long-term national experimental project that is part of the Home Office Crime Reduction program. A total of 11 "On Track" areas were included in the research. Although they varied in their heterogeneity, residential mobility, demographic composition, and the type of area, all had high deprivation. Children of all ages participated in 63 focus groups that were composed of 400 children and youth ages 5-15. The focus groups discussed three themes of citizenship: social and moral responsibility, political literacy, and community involvement. Discussions of social and moral responsibility focused on children and youths' perceptions of rules, their understanding of right and wrong, and their involvement in decisions that affected them. The children and youth of all ages accepted the need for rules and were more likely to comply with them when they understood the reasons for them and the consequences of noncompliance. They understood issues of morality and justice and were quick to spot unfairness. The children had the capacity to understand democratic principles. The discussions of political literacy focused on how children and youth contribute to public life through their knowledge, skills, and values. The studies found that children and youth of all ages were interested in current affairs, and cynicism and lack of trust in formal politics and politicians was evident. They wanted adults, particularly teachers, to listen to and respect their views and ideas. Discussions of community perspectives and involvement addressed neighborhood conditions and programs for children and youth. The social composition of many of the areas was complex and diverse, with sub-groups and differences apparent based on geography, income, gender, ethnicity, and age as well as transciency. There were few clubs or formal opportunities for children and youth to become involved in voluntary activity within their communities. Where such opportunities were available, the children were enthusiastic about them. Community safety was an important issue, as was keeping the community clear of litter. They wished for more places to play and engage in recreational activities.