NCJ Number
16693
Date Published
1974
Length
25 pages
Annotation
A DIVERSION PROGRAM CONSISTING OF INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP COUNSELING, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND REFERRAL SERVICES.
Abstract
HAVING BEEN SELECTED THROUGH A SCREENING PROCEDURE, CLIENTS ARE COUNSELED TO PROVIDE PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT AND INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THEIR NEEDS. GROUP COUNSELING CONSISTS OF A SURVIVAL SKILL GROUP INTENDED TO ASSIST YOUNG WOMEN WHO HAVE CHOSEN THE STREET LIFE AND LACK KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL IN SURVIVING WITHOUT BEING CRIMINALLY EXPLOITED AND A JOB SKILLS GROUP INTENDED TO INFORM PARTICIPANTS ON HOW TO OBTAIN AND KEEP EMPLOYMENT. THE GOAL OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE IS TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR A CLIENT TO RETURN TO A CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL. THE PROGRAM ALSO OFFERS A RESTITUTION SERVICE FOR THE BENEFIT OF VICTIMS AND DEFENDANTS. EXTENSIVE USE IS MADE OF COMMUNITY AGENCIES. THE EVALUATION CONCLUDED THAT THE CASELOAD OF COUNSELORS WAS TOO LOW. DATA NECESSARY FOR AN ANALYSIS OF THE TYPES AND FREQUENCY OF CLIENT AND REFERRAL SERVICES BEING PROVIDED WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. CLIENTS ADMITTED TO THE PROGRAM WERE PREDOMINANTLY YOUNG PROPERTY OFFENDERS WITH LIMITED EDUCATION.