The advent of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) has not been favorable to community-based organizations (CBOs) serving unemployed young people. The overall decline in the amount of money available for employment training is one reason for the reduction in services, but it is not the sole reason. The transition to the new act itself is also part of the problem, although recent studies seem to indicate no inherent problems in the design of JTPA. This paper presents the problem as, chiefly, a problem of direction, interpretation, and education, and suggests that the crux of the problem lies with the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA). ETA, it is claimed, has abdicated its leadership role in directing how the states will implement the provisions of JTPA. The regulations it creates are sparse and parrot the act itself. Technical assistance and ETA staff have been radically reduced. However, despite the position of ETA, the states need and want additional direction. JTPA has resulted in new staff and Private Industry Council members at both the state and local level. Although these persons do not carry the mistakes of the past, they also lack the experience gained in the past. Without leadership at the Federal level, each state will create its own interpretation of JTPA in local programs. Congress should insist that ETA fulfill its responsibilities. If it does not, CBOs will have to educate and lobby with the State Job Training Council and each local PIC. Coalition building and cooperation with other service providers will be needed. Without such advocacy, disadvantaged young people will be the last served, if they are served at all. (KC)