The groundwork is laid for understanding the connections among beliefs about delinquency, assumptions about who the delinquents are, theories of delinquency causation, and delinquency control programs. Summaries are presented of research that indicates which youth are most delinquent and which are most likely to become involved with the juvenile justice system, and theories of delinquency causation are explained. The family is used as a model for incorporating both psychological and sociological principles into a framework for understanding the causes of juvenile delinquency, and the behavior and development of a juvenile during transition from childhood to adulthood is discussed. In addition to the current methods and techniques of the juvenile justice system, the philosophies and responsibilities of the police and other agencies involved with juveniles are considered. After describing programs to prevent, control, and treat delinquency, successful treatment techniques are presented. Using many of the prevention and treatment concepts previously discussed, the nature and development of a halfway house are portrayed. Emphasis is also given to citizen involvement in programs related to delinquency prevention, control, and treatment. Special attention is given to alcohol and drug abuse, its causes, and control. Child abuse and neglect is singled out as well. The concluding chapter identifies requirements for future policy if delinquency prevention, control, and treatment are to be effective. A complete bibliography with summaries and library call numbers is provided, along with a subject index. (Author summary modified)