The article presents some prevention theories for juvenile delinquency. It discusses how the risk factors of delinquency are related to primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. It presents the Brazilian offenders profile and the situation of national institutions in 2002. It indicates some existent prevention initiatives in Brazil. Some prevention areas are presented that have shown significant impact in the reduction of juvenile delinquency through systematic evaluations: interventions in the pregnancy and early childhood for families in higher risk situations; training for parents; primary prevention programs accomplished in schools and early interventions for young offenders.
Delinquency; Adolescence; Male; Prevention