The main aim of this summary volume is to convey key information and conclusions to practitioners and policy makers interested in early intervention and developmental approaches to crime prevention. This summary is based on the full report 'Pathways to prevention: Early intervention and developmental approaches to crime in Australia'. Background. The project on early intervention and developmental approaches to crime prevention is a joint initiative of NCAVAC and the National Anti-Crime Strategy (NACS). It is designed to take place in two stages. The research for Stage 1 has been completed and included a literature review, an assessment of existing services in Australia related to developmental crime prevention, and the development of recommendations for the second stage of the project. The Developmental Crime Prevention Consortium was selected to undertake Stage 1. Headed by Professor Ross Homel, the Consortium completed the research between September 1997 and February 1998. This summary volume is an abridged version of their full report on Stage 1. The summary outlines the rationale and method for the research, and sets out the basic concepts of developmental crime prevention. It presents an overview of the research literature and of the assessment of Australian services and programs. Drawing on the full report, significant themes are identified which inform the series of recommendations that make up a policy framework for developmental prevention. The research has produced two practical outcomes - the policy framework and a recommendation for a demonstration project - both presented here in shortened form. The framework and the recommendation inform future directions for the project. In the final section of the summary there is an indication of how the Commonwealth will develop Stage 2 of the project, and explore avenues to promote the policy framework.