A large body of research has identified many risk and protective factors associated with youth crime. Risk factors have been identified in the areas of family, school, and community and include poor parental supervision, low school achievement, and living in a disadvantaged neighborhood, to name a few. Protective factors include being female, having a positive disposition, and high intelligence. Following a review of risk and protective factors and their relationship to one another, the document examines when and where youth crime is likely to take place. The research literature in this area is reviewed, which indicates divergent results and underscores the need for further research. Next, the operation of risk and protective factors and the prevalence of youth crime in England and Wales are considered and a comparative analysis is offered of national and local survey data on youth crime. The research concerning effective methods of reducing risk and enhancing protections for youth is also examined, followed by an analysis of effective youth crime prevention schemes. The findings indicate that youth crime is most effectively prevented by adopting a holistic, integrated approach that links the various agencies dealing with health, education, and social exclusion. Model programs for youth crime prevention generally adhere to the following principles: (1) target high- and medium-risk offenders; (2) have a well defined structure with a clear rationale; (3) address the full range of criminogenic risk factors; and (4) adhere to the objectives and procedures established for working with young offenders. Future studies should continue to focus on understanding youth crime and its prevention as well as continue to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and initiatives designed to reduce and prevent youth crime. Tables, figures, appendixes, and references