The topics addressed by working groups were effective public/private partnerships, the OJJDP comprehensive strategy, guns and kids, young women and violence, youth violence prevention, reducing violence through community policing, and early childhood intervention. The forum produced a draft Policy Statement on Youth Violence based in a consensus that believes communities need comprehensive strategies to combat youth crime. Five basic principles are proposed for guiding such efforts. One principle is to strengthen the family in its role to instill healthy beliefs; promote clear standards; and provide opportunities, skill development, and recognition to children. A second principle is to support core social institutions in their efforts to develop capable, mature, and responsible youth; and a third is to recognize that delinquency prevention is the most cost-effective approach to combating youth crime. A fourth principle is to intervene immediately and effectively when delinquent behavior first manifests itself; this involves ensuring that appropriate sanctions and interventions are delivered in a timely fashion. The fifth principle is to identify and control the small group of serious, violent, and chronic offenders through a range of graduated sanctions, including placement in secure facilities when necessary. Reference materials are also included in this notebook.