While there is a current emphasis on punishment and incapacitation and a pessimism about the effectiveness of treatment programs, there is evidence that certain programs and strategies can be effective in reducing recidivism. Some of these alternatives include outreach and tracking for youth who can function and receive needed services in the community, but who need some supervision to keep them moving in positive directions. Nine-to-five programming can provide special attention and resources to youth unmotivated to participate in regular educational or vocational programs or who have chronic behavior problems. Group and foster homes and therapeutic communities offer more structured alternatives to institutionalization at lower cost and without the need to duplicate existing services and systems. Finally, experimental residential programs such as VisionQuest offer alternatives to secure correctional facilities. Such programs emphasize small size, committed staff, structure and management, demanding physical activities, and eclectic programming. Aftercare programs are discussed in an appendix. 35 references.