Traditional criminological theory states an almost unquestioned causal relationship between unemployment and juvenile delinquency. However, longitudinal research conducted in the Australia, England, and the United States indicates a reciprocal causal relationship between unemployment and delinquency or crime in general, but the nature of the relationship makes it impossible to determine which is the cause and which is the effect. Additional research indicates that the institutionalization of juvenile delinquents negatively affects youths' employment prospects, employability, and experiences of employment. Findings indicate the need for early intervention aimed at alleviating the deprivation experienced by youth at risk of offending; deprivation includes six categories marital instability, parental illness, poor care of the children and homes, family unemployment and dependency on public assistance, overcrowding, and poor mothering ability. Without comprehensive measures aimed at the variety of factors contributing to youth risk, juvenile delinquency will probably continue at its current level. 9 references