Youth 'at risk' refers to a broader concept than not being in employment, education or training (NEET). It describes young people who experience challenges in negotiating living, learning and working options after leaving school and who are at risk of not engaging in further study or employment. The risk then extends to long-term unemployment and social exclusion. Factors contributing to this risk may be a consequence of interactions between individual and family circumstances as well as characteristics of schools, society and the economy. Research in this area examines risk factors (personal, social and economic), the role of vocational education and training (VET), policy responses, and other nongovernmental initiatives designed to facilitate successful transitions for these young people.