Juvenile tattoo removal programs are potentially useful in helping at-risk youth obtain access to opportunities that gang symbols or other body ink might impair. The California program (see http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/News/tattooremoval.html) uses pro bono doctors (not a staff person) for the actual removal process.

Surprisingly, in many jurisdictions, there are no licenses or certifications required to operate a laser tattoo removal device (on the other hand, the process of tattooing is almost always a licensed profession). The lasers were originally designed for use by physicians — but these devices are simple enough for anyone to learn to use and perform. Of course, I’d recommend that only a doctor use one, preferably a picosecond laser to get the best results.