The United Kingdom (UK) government, in common with those in many other countries, recognises the significant numbers of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) from the age of 16 years. Perceptions associated with this group of young people have often been negative, yet recent research suggests that reasons for the lack of involvement of this group of young people often arises from situations where there is extreme trauma, linking to desires of individuals to seek alternative forms of educational and economic involvement from the traditionally cognitively focused opportunities accessible normally in schools. Alternatives, sometimes involving uses of technology, are being offered in a range of school and support situations. The importance of management information systems in both identifying and positively tracking these young people is recognised, yet the development of systems to cope with policy and support needs is currently at an early stage. This paper offers an overview of the current, largely UK, context, and indicates how data management information systems are likely to support important policy, practice and research needs.