Factors affecting the nonagricultural employment of youth are examined in the research study. Chapters in the report discuss a brief history of child labor laws in the United States; the links between the economy and the social goals of society and how child labor laws reflect and yet sometimes contradict economic realities; the economics of the youth labor market; specific Federal and State Laws that affect youth employment; the issues and programs concerning the supplementation of education through work experience; and the results of an employer survey conducted for the study in which 149 persons in 78 firms were personally interviewed regarding hiring policies for youth and knowledge of child labor statutes. The major recommendation of the investigation is to start a new process at the community level in which employers, unions, schools, parents, young people, and all interested citizens work together to remove unnecessary barriers to youth employment. Recommendations also include the necessity for a readable compendium of laws for each State as part of an active information system, further relaxation of laws to facilitate participation of 14 and 15 year olds in work experience programs, and elimination of State and Federal overlap in legal coverage. A bibliography and sources for child labor laws are included. (Author/RG)