A Professional School's Role in Training Ex-Addict Counselors

Abstract

Many schools face the dilemma of how they can contribute to community problem solving in spite of increased demands and diminishing resources. The training program for ex-addict counselors described here presents one model for a response to this dilemma. In addition to the knowledge and skill provided, the school was used for the training site that gave the program its clear educational focus. This proved essential in helping ex-addict counselors to participate as learners. In a small but tangible way this training program helped to bridge the traditional distance between “town and gown.”