Vocational Outcome Following Residential Work/Therapy Program — During High Unemployment and Recession Period

Abstract

Recovering alcoholics and drug addicts completed a six-month rehabilitation program following detoxification and intensive care hospitalization. Designed on the “whole person” model, clients resided at the rehab, center, worked there half-time, and received vocational counseling, group therapy, basic education, social and legal services, and recreational therapy. Following a therapeutic community model, they participated in the twenty-four hour per day running of the community which functions much like a small town. The program was designed to prepare the client for the “survival skills” needed in the communities to which they would return following treatment.This paper describes the actual vocational outcomes of 286 clients who re-entered communities during varying high un- employment and economic recession times between 1973 and 1976. Correlation of clients’ utilization of aftercare services such as half-way houses, and outpatient counseling to ultimate vocational outcome is presented. Critical “survival skills” development for successful outcome are hypothesized. Several longitudinal biographies of two or more years are contrasted to demonstrate individual differences in needs for clients simultaneously attending the same program. A rationale for individual treatment planning and its implementation is presented.

This study was conducted on an ongoing basis as part of routine follow-up and aftercare procedures. Results provided immediate feedback to the staff and current clients to help with treatment planning and program development. The author wishes to thank the staff who helped obtain this information: Robert Papp, Phyllis Antonelli, Patricia Calloway, Patricia Toennies, Dennis Cisick, Marie Heckman, Michael Hunt, Paul Simon, Syl Outley, Edna McClam, Barbara Boyle, Rosita Nickens, Bonnie Knipe.

Mr. Mellon was the direct counselor for 60% of the clients studied, and counseling supervisor for the others. He later became the Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.