Suicide among young people has increased significantly over the past 25 years, and is now the third leading cause of death among young persons 15 to 24 years of age and the second leading cause of death among college students. In California this serious problem was recently addressed through the implementation in 1986 of a 5 year state funded program of evaluation and intervention. This study surveyed these five sample groups of respondents: (1) young people 12-15 years of age (N=318); (2) young people 16-19 years of age (N=326); (3) students from California high schools (N=1,000); (4) parents of California youth 12-19 years of age (N=465); and (5) youth service providers having contact with young people 12-19 years of age (N=136). Psychological autopsy data on California youth 12-20 years of age who had committed suicide (N=44) were also examined. The findings revealed that intrapersonal psychopathology and distress, family dysfunction, problems with interpersonal relationships, and drug and alcohol abuse were most frequently reported as the major causes of youth suicide. In terms of solutions, the availability of family and friends and access to formal intervention programs for troubled adolescents were seen as the most effective measures that could be taken to stop young people from intentionally hurting themselves. Programs that tend to decrease vulnerabilities, decrease stress, and increase support systems should prove helpful in preventing suicide. (ABL)