The public overwhelmingly supported the juvenile justice system as separate from the adult system, with rehabilitation as its primary goal. There was also strong support for separating juvenile from adult offenders in confinement as well as for having a sentencing scheme for juveniles different from that for adults. There was a strong preference for sentencing juveniles to specialized treatment and counseling programs in lieu of incarceration, even for repeat serious offenders. Strong support was evidenced for educational, vocational, and drug treatment programs for young offenders. Moderate support was expressed for expenditures for constructing new youth facilities to relieve overcrowding. There were significant gaps in the public's comprehension of fundamental facts relating to youth crime and the California juvenile justice system. 8 tables.