Juvenile delinquents and the chronically ill or disabled share a common role of “nonproductive” members in a utilitarian society. The exploratory, case method study described here uses the Occupational Behavior frame of reference in examining the relationships between the maturational and occupational choice processes, and how their progression can be supported or constrained by environmental factors. The study and its findings then served as a basis for the design and implementation of a full-time occupational therapy program at the facility in which the study was conducted.