This book looks at the issue of youth unemployment and examines policy responses. Part I considers the youth unemployment problem. Chapter 1 is an overview, covering size of the problem and the close relationship between youth and adult unemployment. Chapter 2 examines youth unemployment characteristics and distribution of unemployment across different groups, arguing that youth unemployment policy should be targeted at the most disadvantaged. Chapter 3 looks at causes and consequences of youth unemployment. Part II considers policy responses to youth unemployment. Chapter 4 considers these general issues: the usefulness of an overall youth policy, International Labor Office/Organization (ILO) initiatives, and the international policy context. Chapter 5 examines forms of labor market information and questions relating to program monitoring and evaluation. Chapter 6 considers effects of a minimum wage on youth employment levels. Chapter 7 examines the role of education and training systems in facilitating the transition from school to work and strengths and weaknesses of Germany's dual apprenticeship system. Chapter 8 looks at these three types of intervention policies: those that promote wage employment; those that promote self employment; and those for disadvantaged young people. Chapter 9 considers ways in which social partners can and should participate, including the role of employers' and workers' organizations. Chapter 10 presents eleven concrete policy recommendations. (Appendixes include a 236-item bibliography and index.) (YLB)