Transition Programs: Bridging the Gap.

This document shares the collective wisdom and experience of professionals who have successfully guided the transition of hundreds of youths and adults from New York's correctional institutions back into the community. The first section begins with an overview of the New York State Education Department's transition program model to move incarcerated individuals from correctional facilities to the community through a program consisting of the following components: (1) academic program components (basic skills, high school equivalency preparation, English for speakers of other languages, tutorials in high school subjects, life management); (2) transition program components (computerized career assessment, decision-making skills, job readiness skills, community support linkages); and (3) a continuum of support services (employment, continuing education, higher education, family education/empowerment, on-the-job training/apprenticeship, support services, peer support groups family literacy). The program implementation guidelines presented are organized into the following areas: providing instruction, promoting job readiness, and creating a supportive network. The second section provides guidance on being an effective transition coordinator. Special attention is paid to the transition coordinator's role in meeting both the client's needs and the community's needs. The following items are also included: an acronyms glossary; 29 learning standards for 7 curriculum areas; and a sample transition program. (MN)