A Model Program for Counseling and Placement of Offenders

This article describes the Maryland Comprehensive Offender Model Program (COMIP), designed to deliver manpower services to offenders while they are incarcerated and until they are placed in training or employment. Counseling was based on the Reality Therapy model with a high structured format for group sessions. The GATB and NATB were used for vocational planning; Holland's Self-Directed Search was the most effective interest instrument. Supportive services were minimal and consisted mainly of arranging housing and temporary public assistance grants. Over half of the placements stemmed from individual job development and this resulted in a placement rate higher than that usually achieved with applicants who do not have multiple barriers to employment.