This text, now in its fifth edition, integrates sociological theories of delinquency with discussions of what is actually occurring in the social environments (families, peer associations, schools, community settings) of today's youths. It examines the ways in which specific features of contemporary American society have contributed to certain types of delinquent behavior and the manners in which social institutions have responded in their attempts to control, treat, and prevent juvenile delinquency. The very latest trends in juvenile and family court procedures are described, court cases that have set the parameters for police, court, and secure facility handling of juveniles are analyzed, and delinquency prevention and control are examined.