This paper presents the results of a study on the implementation of the Youth Guarantee plan for Neets in Lazio. It illustrates the social profile of users by means of indicators provided by Anpal and aims to compare it with the characteristics of Neet population of Lazio, through data analysis of the RCFL Istat. Paradoxically, our results indicate that the program has showed greater difficulty in involving the most disadvantaged youths. On the basis of semistructured interviews with public service workers and directors of 12 Employment Centers, we formulated hypotheses on the self-selection and selection mechanisms that would operate in the programme. Measures of the Plan would work as a catalyst, that is able to increase opportunities and to reduce the duration of unemployment of users who display more resources and skills beforehand. On the other hand, the contribution to reducing the risk of social exclusion of socially disadvantaged Neets seems limited.
Keywords: Neets; Youth Guarantee Plan; Social Inequalities; Employment Activation.