AbstractThis article describes the development and operation of a secondary prevention program designed to reduce recidivism in a rural community. Rural communities present unique aspects such as geographic isolation, cultural values divergent from those of urban society, and limited professional resources that impact upon consultation and program development and that must be considered if implemented programs are to be utilized. Parameters of work in rural areas are described and discussed. Fifty‐five first offender participants in a community program that was developed through consultation to a rural juvenile court are compared with 177 cohort control subjects who appeared before the court prior to implementation of the program. Program participants had a recidivism rate one‐fourth that of the cohort. Results are attributed to change in the court's approach to its task of dealing with juvenile delinquency in the commun