Juvenile involvement in serious crimes is declining despite a general perception to the contrary. Since 1978, serious juvenile offenders in San Diego County have been handled more informally by police, probation, and the juvenile court. However, data indicate that the juvenile justice system has not been effective in reducing recidivist behavior in serious offenders, as a significant proportion are rearrested. Harsher penalties for serious juvenile offenders appear to be pending. The proposed Juvenile Justice Act of 1983 in the California Legislature would alter the purpose of juvenile law to provide for punishment and require a classification system as the basis for court disposition. Other legislation proposes that certain juvenile offenders be sentenced to prison without possibility of parole. In San Diego County in the past year, new approaches incorporate the concept of early intervention in delinquent acts and attempt to hold youth accountable for their behavior. These changes have been implemented without changes in legislation or increases in staff or other resources. The report argues that before implementing new legislation to correct perceived deficiencies in the juvenile justice system, it is first necessary to determine what aspects of the current system are working. Moreover, early intervention and rehabilitation should be used as the main approaches to deal with juvenile offenders. Tables, figures, about 75 references, study methodology, data collection forms, and a glossary are provided. (Author summary modified)