NCJ Number
55704
Date Published
1976
Length
40 pages
Annotation
A TEXAS PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES PEER COUNSELING ON A 24-HOUR BASIS FOR EX-OFFENDERS AND USES A TEAM EFFORT TO ACTIVELY HELP CLIENTS WITH JOB, SCHOOL, AND TRAINING PROBLEMS IS DESCRIBED. IT OPERATES IN THREE CITIES.
Abstract
THE PROJECT IS A JOINT EFFORT OF THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, THE TEXAS YOUTH COUNCIL (TYC), AND THE TEXAS REHABILITATION COMMISSION WITH OFFICES IN HOUSTON, DALLAS, AND SAN ANTONIO. TITLED PROJECT EASE (EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT FOR THE EX-OFFENDER), IT IS CONCERNED WITH FAR MORE THAN EMPLOYMENT AND JOB TRAINING SUPPORT. A TEAM CONSISTING OF A TYC PAROLE OFFICER, A VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SPECIALIST, AN EASE COMMUNITY RESOURCE SPECIALIST, PEER COUNSELOR, A VOLUNTEER, AND THE CLIENT'S FAMILY MEET WITH THE CLIENT TO WORK OUT A COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE PLAN. INVOLVEMENT OF BOTH CLIENT AND FAMILY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE PROJECT'S SUCCESS. THE TEAM CONTINUES TO MEET EVERY 30 DAYS DURING THE PROBATION OR PAROLE PERIOD. THE PEER COUNSELOR IS AVAILABLE AROUND THE CLOCK. THE VOLUNTEER HELPS THE SPECIALISTS IN PROVIDING SERVICES, AND THE RESOURCE PEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE AS NEEDED. THE GOALS ARE FLEXIBLE, BUT GENERALLY CONSIST OF FINDING A JOB OR JOB TRAINING, KEEPING THE OFFENDER OUT OF TROUBLE, OR, IF APPLICABLE, KEEPING HIM IN SCHOOL. THE REPORT CONTAINS RESULTS OF QUESTIONNAIRES DISTRIBUTED TO STAFF AND TO CLIENTS AND FAMILY. THE STAFF EVALUATIONS WERE HIGHLY FAVORABLE FOR DALLAS AND HOUSTON, BUT MIXED FOR SAN ANTONIO. CLIENT RESPONSES WERE ALL HIGHLY FAVORABLE. THE CONCEPT OF THE PEER COUNSELOR, WHO OFTEN HAS BEEN IN TROUBLE HIMSELF, IS EXPLAINED IN DETAIL. FOOTNOTES CONTAIN REFERENCES. (GLR)