Motivational theory indicates the importance of a child's early experiences to perceptions and behavior. The first 4 years of life are particularly critical in the development of language, curiosity, and social skills as well as the roots of intelligence. Nurturance of the young child is crucial, whether provided by the family, other significant individuals, or institutions that provide support services to families. The family is the primary influence during the first 4 years. Major stresses facing many families are poverty, social isolation, lack of knowledge of parenting skills, the growing numbers of single-parent families, and lack of supports for single parents. Strategies which focus on the prevention of juvenile delinquency should consider the early childhood years as an integral part of a complex process. Effective strategies should provide a broad spectrum of services that allow for developing a match between individual family needs and the appropriate services. Family support centers should be multifaceted operations which serve as clearinghouses for inquiries, provide interface among agencies and disciplines serving families and children, develop a network of those serving children and families, seek cooperation from employers in providing support to families, serve as a resource to the courts, and add to the knowledge base through program evaluation and research. Specific goals of the centers should include providing support and coordination related to education and health, providing preventive services to strengthen families, providing support and services to aid families in stress, and providing legal information and advice. Nine reference notes are included.