Due to legislation adopted in 1976, youth needs assessment and program proposals are carried out at the county rather than at the State level in North Carolina by task forces set up in each county. A survey was carried out of the members of these task forces, yielding a sample of 251 respondents. Results suggested that decisionmakers for juvenile justice in North Carolina are operating on the premise that youth crime and delinquency are not presently being managed or controlled. Respondents attributed youth crime and delinquency to a combination of social and psychological factors. Their views resemble 19th century child savers' rationales, i.e., the primacy of the individual, personal and social determinants, and individualized interventions. Tables, 12 notes, and 5 references are supplied.