Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** Nov. 25, 2025
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Why Are So Many Young People Disconnected?
Roughly one in seven Americans ages 18 to 24 are disconnected--not in school, training, or work. A new RAND paper explores who these young people are and what factors may lead to disconnection.
Here are some key takeaways:
- Disconnected youth are more likely to be female and twice as likely as their connected peers to be a parent.
- They have lower levels of education: Disconnected youth are three times as likely to not complete high school and 50 percent more likely to have only a high school degree.
- They are more likely to be Black and less likely to be white.
- Those from below the top quartile of income and parental education are nearly twice as likely to be disconnected.
- School suspensions for males and early pregnancy for females strongly correlate with disconnection.
- Other early-life factors--such as math and English test scores, mental health, substance use, and social supports--are also linked to disconnection later on.
What this means for policymakers: Addressing risk factors early is critical. And because school suspension is linked to higher disconnection rates, programs that address student issues without excluding kids from school could help more youth stay on track.
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What Can Be Done About Hamas Fighters?
Securing peace in Gaza requires addressing the future role of Hamas's fighters. While demobilizing the group is desirable, it could create new dangers, warns RAND's Brian Michael Jenkins. Could Hamas veterans instead be persuaded to return to their roots as a social movement, contributing to Gaza's reconstruction? Jenkins explores what it might take to steer Hamas toward a more peaceful path, as well as other options for how to deal with the group. Each approach has major drawbacks, he says, but some might be worth further exploration.
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Technology and Social Care in the UK
England's social care system--which supports children and adults in need--is under strain from rising demand, shrinking budgets, and staff shortages. Could technology help? RAND Europe researchers studied how in-home sensors that monitor daily activity might provide a more comprehensive view of people's needs. They found that the technology shows promise, but it also raises questions about privacy and the potential misinterpretation of data.
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** Policy Currents will be back in your inbox Tuesday, December 2. We hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday.**
** RAND Recommends
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- Most clicked last week: A new RAND study explores the limited presence of male mentors in the lives of boys and young men.
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- A new RAND analysis looks at how programs are supporting the well-being of veterans in Massachusetts.
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- In case you missed it, we recently published the first report from the RAND Rural America Partnership.
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** Events
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How Can the UK Better Support Its Young People?
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (Online)
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