This article is the result of a theoretical review on the National Youth Policy (NYP) and has got as a premise the necessity for a greater reflection on the subject, considering the severe problems facing the young people currently. It presents initially some comments about meaning of youth for the contemporary society, and fallowing, some data about the situation of Brazilian young people, highlighting urgency public policies appropriate to the specific needs of different young people. After this brief contextualization it is discussed the creation and development of this policy, a mapping of the national programs currently in existence is presented. It ends the presentation with a analysis of the current NYP and with the indication of some challengers to consolidate it.
youth; young people; national youth policy; national youth program; public policies
