Contemporary American delinquency prevention strategies adopted by the Federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention emphasize trying to change organizations, particularly schools, rather than individuals. Similarly, the report by Rutter and Giller to the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Security in England advocates changes in the school, the neighborhood, the community, or the physical environment. It is argued here that it is just as plausible to locate the causes of delinquency in the individual as in the environment, and there is good reason to expect delinquency prevention efforts targeted on individuals to be successful. Studies focusing on causes of delinquency as inherently related to social institutions are reviewed and evaluated. It is suggested that the studies show insufficient methodological sophistication and fail to quote empirical evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the recommended programs in preventing delinquency. It is recommended that free day care facilities could be offered for high-risk children. The day care program would aim to provide an intellectually stimulating environment, consistent and loving caretakers, desirable parental role models and training in desirable social skills. It is also recommended that followup interviews be made to evaluate the students' success in primary school. Parent training and a home/primary school program attempting to improve school attendance, academic achievement, and the constructive use of leisure are also suggested. Thirty-one references are provided. (Author abstract modified)