This report is intended for State-level decisionmakers who are concerned with juvenile justice reform from policy initiation through implementation; it does not seek to evaluate existing programs but to describe what they are and their impact on the incidence of youth crime. The report discusses trends in violent juvenile crimes and considers how and why youth crimes are being committed. A separate chapter addresses policy initiatives in the following areas: crime prevention; curfews; parental responsibility; gang activities, including drug trafficking; graduated sanctions; juvenile boot camps; youth and guns; juvenile records; juvenile waivers; and expanded sentencing authority. A chapter on selected case studies discusses in depth reform initiatives in Colorado, Connecticut, Ohio, and Oregon, including the relevant catalysts for change and the positions of opponents and proponents of the initiatives as they moved through the legislative process. Finally, the report summarizes juvenile justice reform trends around the country and makes recommendations for future reform initiatives. Notes