Childhood injury continues to be a major public health crisis in the United States, with a large percentage of injuries being preventable and controllable. This chapter provides information related to understanding child and youth injury. Studies have shown that injuries affect identifiable high-risk groups. Such host factors that put children at higher risk include: (1) gender differences, with males at a higher risk than females; (2) lower socioeconomic status; and (3) race. Agent and environmental factors are also explored. Developmental differences are outlined that influence the incidence of injury and its prevention. These studies find the leading causes of death for the following age groups are as follows: (1) younger than 1 year--homicide; (2) 1 to 4 years--fire and burns; (3) 5 to 9 years--motor vehicle passenger injuries; and (4) 10 to 14 years--motor vehicle passenger injury. The chapter describes injury control orientations, including: (1) social competence; (2) social learning theory; and (3) health belief model. Prevention strategies are also described: (1) environmental and passive methods; (2) legislative methods; and (3) educational methods. Two examples of injury prevention classroom programs are provided: an integrated car safety program and the Safety Fair program. The article concludes with recommendations for injury prevention practice and policy development. (Contains 74 references.) (SD)