The study sample consisted of 100 youth drawn from 2 subgroups: the first composed of youth with an established offending history supervised by a youth offending team (YOT) and subject to a detention and training order (DTO); and the second composed of youth deemed at risk of offending and involved in a youth inclusion program (YIP) scheme. The research was conducted at five YOTs and five YIPs. The sample included rural and urban areas across England and one site in Wales. In addition to obtaining data on the youth from existing databases, researchers also conducted interviews with some of the youth and their caseworkers. Risk factors most prevalent in the lives of habitual offenders were a history of family disruption; higher than average levels of loss, bereavement, abuse, and violence within a family setting; family members or friends who offended; low education performance; higher levels of drug and alcohol use than in the general population; and higher than average mental health needs. This study found a lack of training and knowledge among staff regarding these risk factors. Both YOT and YIP practitioners indicated that their knowledge was derived primarily from "on-the-job" experience. Interagency relationships were limited, and working with education and social services to plan interventions was regarded by practitioners as being out-of-date. There was apparently little rationale for most interventions, and interventions did not match individual needs. Habitual juvenile offenders should receive more accurate assessments of risk factors, and interventions should be targeted to specific needs and be implemented earlier in the offending career of those having these risk factors. 2 references