NCJ Number
14561
Date Published
1972
Length
86 pages
Annotation
EXPERIMENTAL EFFORT IN THE EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS CONSIDERED UNEMPLOYABLE BECAUSE OF POOR WORK HISTORIES, AND BACKGROUNDS OF DRUG ADDICTION, INCARCERATION OR ALCOHOLISM.
Abstract
THE UNDERLYING PREMISE OF THIS PROJECT IS THAT A SATISFACTORY WORK EXPERIENCE FOR SUCH AN INDIVIDUAL OFTEN REQUIRES NOT ONLY AN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY, BUT ALSO WORK-RELATED SUPPORTS TO LESSEN THE STRESS CAUSED BY THE DEMANDS OF REGULAR EMPLOYMENT AND AN ALTERED LIFESTYLE. PROJECT PIONEER'S RESEARCH GOALS WERE TWOFOLD - TO DISCOVER THE EXTENT AND TYPE OF SUPPORT SERVICES APPROPRIATE TO A BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT, AND TO DEVELOP PROFILES OF THE TYPES OF INDIVIDUALS MOST LIKELY TO BE AIDED BY SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT. THE THERAPEUTIC AND INDIVIDUAL DIRECTION OF THE PROJECT SIGNIFICANTLY CHANGED DURING THE FIRST YEAR. IT WAS FOUND THAT A PARTICIPANT'S MESSENGER WORK SUCCESS, AND CAPACITY TO HANDLE MORE RESPONSIBLE WORK, BORE LITTLE RELATION TO HIS ATTENDANCE TO THERAPY SESSIONS OR PARTICIPATION IN THEM. THEREFORE, THE PRESENT PROJECT PROGRAM DOES NOT PROVIDE OR REQUIRE THERAPY. INSTEAD, IT OPERATES ON THE BELIEF THAT WORK SUCCESS ALONE MAY PROVIDE THE STABILITY NECESSARY FOR AN INDIVIDUAL TO AVOID A PREVIOUS LIFE OF CRIME, ADDICTION, OR ALCOHOLISM.