The contributors to this volume examine current developments in juvenile justice philosophies, practices and policies in the light of the changing nature of offending by children and young people. The tension between 'welfare' and 'justice' approaches and how this might be resolved is given particular attention. The contributors recognise the increasing obligation of recognising the rights of young people who offend and trace the relationship between explanations of offending by this group and the implications these have for the development of relevant and effective crime prevention strategies. They consider the international arena as well as the different systems in the United Kingdom. With reviews of juvenile justice systems and measures for dealing with juvenile offenders being undertaken in most European countries, British developments are evaluated in the broader context of general trends in offending by children and young people.