NCJ Number
146132
Journal
Detention Reporter Issue: 114 Dated: (April 1993) Pages: 5-8
Editor(s)
R Miller
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper describes Hennepin County's (Minnesota) POWER (Providing Opportunities for Work, Education, and Readiness) Program, which prepares jail inmates for improved employment after release.
Abstract
At intake, inmates are informed about and given an opportunity to apply for the POWER program. Accepted applicants are assessed for skills and needs, which becomes the basis for a POWER program contract. Assessment staff refers participants to the supervisors of either the kitchen, industry, or laundry; participants are placed in the employment category best suited to their needs and skills. Participants develop a program and employment portfolio to document their individual progress. Life skills training is scheduled each week for 4 weeks. Each resident works a regular job shift. Educational, health, and other programs are scheduled around daily work. Two weeks before their discharge from the program, participants meet with the Community Network Facilitator to review action plans, accomplishments, career assessment, strengths, and weaknesses. Participants are also matched with volunteer mentors from the community to assist in their transition to the community upon release. Information on current program status (April 1993) addresses staff, staff training, curriculum, forms, and participants.