Recognizing increasing concerns about rising youth-related crime in Missouri, this Kids Count report on children and violence examines the impact of community and family violence on young perpetrators and victims, and explores characteristics of successful programs to prevent or reduce family and community violence in Missouri. Data suggest that youth violence is associated with high poverty areas, drug and alcohol use, and the volume of violence in mass media. Schools face a growing challenge in meeting students' educational needs as problems of violence spill over into classrooms. Successful violence prevention programs, while diverse in activities, methods, and leadership structure, provide safe places to learn nonviolent coping skills, problem solving, assertiveness, and leadership. These programs need support and involvement of diverse community groups. The home remains the most dangerous place for children, with the number of families in which abuse or neglect has been substantiated increasing. There is a strong correlation between poverty and abuse/neglect rates. Parental characteristics correlated with abusive behavior include a punitive family of origin, substance abuse, immaturity, inability to delay gratification, inappropriate expectations for children, lack of child development knowledge, and social isolation. Successful programs to prevent or treat family violence build on individual strengths and address individual needs, connect families with support, services, and resources to meet basic needs, and recognize that violence is focused on gaining control over others. The report concludes that it is the responsibility of Missouri citizens to restore safety to children's homes and communities. (KB)