Theories regarding cause and treatment of juvenile delinquency are examined. The emotional disturbance underlying delinquency is suggested as the treatment target rather than the acting out behavior per se. The treatment approach to adolescents is placed in historical perspective, reflecting relative neglect of vocational service. Vocational development of “normal” and “disturbed” adolescents is contrasted and offered as a phase of personal development and a separate area of growth. Those features that characterize vocational development are highlighted and related to the growth pattern of disturbed adolescents. A theoretical structure is offered for understanding this population and designing a vocational treatment approach. A pilot project is described for integrating vocational rehabilitation, as a treatment discipline, with other forms of treatment in a psychiatrically oriented program. The special vocational rehabilitation needs, and consequent problems, of this population are recognized and accepted as a challenge and an opportunity for greater professional