Purpose | Vocational Rehabilitation Offender programs provide soon-to-be-released,
eligible inmates:
- Vocational evaluations, prevocational training and vocational training in
existing work stations.
- On-the-job training or training provided by Department of Correction and
Department of Community Colleges.
- Specialized training in community rehabilitation programs.
- Job development and job placement.
- Services that support accomplishment of objective on the IWRP(i.e.
transportation, clothing, tools and maintenance)
- Follow-up to provide supportive counseling and guidance and other
services throughout the training period until a successful adjustment to a job
is made. For inmates nearing release, this includes coordination with field
vocational rehabilitation counselors.
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Criteria for
Participation | The term "eligible" refers to a certification that:
- The individual has a mental or physical disability which for such individual
results in a substantial handicap to employment.
- An individual who is expected to benefit in terms of employability from the
provision of vocational rehabilitation services.
In order to participate in vocational rehabilitation activities away from the prison,
inmates must either:
- Meet all eligibility requirements for study release and have previously
participated in other community based activities.
- Must be in minimum custody level II and be approved for participation in
programs away from the prison. This off-site program must be under the
supervision of correctional personnel or an agent of the Director of Prisons.
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Program Operation | Inmates eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services are referred to the local
vocational rehabilitation counselor by their Division of Prisons case manager within
six months of the inmate's eligibility for study release, work release, community
rehabilitation program, parole or release. There are vocational rehabilitation
counselors and other VR staff located in 28 Division of Prisons facilities. Most of
these VR counselors supervise other offenders or people in the community. |