The initial target population for prevention programs consists of juveniles at the greatest risk of involvement in delinquent activity. These include youth involved in alcohol and drug abuse; neglected, abused, and dependent youth; juvenile status offenders; and minor delinquent offenders. Prevention approaches should emphasize opportunities for health social, physical, and mental development and encompass schools, families, and communities. Programs should also recognize and respond to the five levels of risk factors: individual characteristics, family influences, school experiences, peer group influences, and neighborhood and community factors. Interventions must be swift, certain, and consistent and incorporate increasing sanctions to be effective. Many serious, violent, and chronic juvenile offenders will require secure sanctions; small, community-based facilities to provide intensive services in a secure environment offer the best hope for the successful treatment of these youths. 4 references