A consistent theme across the programs was the importance of hiring an employment specialist with a passion for working with youth. Such specialists should have an appreciation for a holistic approach to youth employment that includes the involvement of families, probation officers, and employers. Program representatives also advised that understanding labor market demands for youth is important. Effective training in high-demand occupations is important for court-involved youth. This gives them a competitive advantage in the labor pool. Every 3 years, labor-market projections should be reviewed with the aim of improving and changing employment training programs for court-involved youth. Another important step in overcoming barriers to employment for such youth is to match the interests, skills, and knowledge of individual youth with employer needs, so as to increase the probability that youth will be motivated to stay on the job and have work attitudes that please the employer. Persuading employers to hire court-involved youth involves overcoming stigmas employers may have regarding such youth. This can be done by describing the program's history and successes and the quality of training provided to youth, as well as the effort to match the youths' interests and skills with employer needs. Youths should be truthful with employers about their pasts, but should emphasize their new attitudes, training, skills, and commitment to a new positive lifestyle. Finally, monitoring a youth's job adjustment and addressing any problems in consultation with the employer is important for ensuring that the employment experience continues to be positive for both the youth and the employer. 11 resource listings