The data cover youths ages 12-17. Each year, almost 1 in 10 youths comes into contact with the police for a violation of the criminal code, drug laws, or other laws. Youth crime is also increasing, and the charge rate for youths has been much higher and has increased faster than the charge rate for adults. Most youth crimes are not violent; juvenile offenses are mainly property offenses. Only 14 percent of youths charged are charged with violence offenses, but these offenses are comparable to those committed by adults. The youth homicide rate has consistently decreased since 1974. Slightly more than half of youth court cases involved first-time offenders in 1992-93. The data indicate that current fears and perceptions of a steep rise in violent youth crime do not reflect reality, although juvenile delinquency is clearly increasing. Tables and 8 reference notes