NCJ Number
98690
Journal
Journal of Offender Counseling Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1984) Pages: 44-49
Date Published
1984
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This evaluation of a student practicum involving counseling ex-offenders in a halfway house found that the program provided valuable reintegration skills for ex-offenders and significant training opportunities for the practicum students.
Abstract
In 1979, the Department of Human Development Counseling of Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tenn.) began placing practicum students at Dismas House, a halfway house in Nashville. Begun with 5 practicum students and 15 ex-offenders, students have since provided services to approximately 130 ex-offenders as of the end of 1983. Student counselors during this period were doctoral students with an interest in pursuing careers in agency counseling or corrections. Each student spent a minimum of 210 hours (15 hours weekly) at the halfway house each semester in addition to the time spent in the practicum class (2 hours weekly) and in direct supervision (minimum 3 hours weekly). In addition to personal counseling, residents were given career assistance that focused on the practical aspects of securing a job. In personal interviews and written course evaluations, all students rated their experiences as either 'positive' or 'very positive.' The dropout rate for ex-offenders who participated in the counseling has been less than 10 percent each semester, and the recidivism rate for participants has been less than 20 percent, well below the national average for recidivism among halfway house residents. Twenty-four references are listed.