THE HOMELESS - PSYCHOLOGICAL-ASPECTS OF T HEIR REHABILITATION

This paper discusses vocational rehabilitation approaches to counselin g homeless people. The overall problem of homelessness is discussed. D efinitions of homelessness are presented. General problems in counseli ng homeless people are reviewed. A discussion of counseling strategies follows with reference to: 1. sensitivity to cultural factors, 2. sen sitivity to the homeless condition, 3. a review of empowerment approac hes. The components of a comprehensive rehabilitation of homeless peop le, arc outlined. The importance of adequate housing and medical atten tion are stressed as key components of the rehabilitation of homeless people. The focus of the paper is on helping homeless people with disa bilities. Traditional vocational assessment techniques such as vocatio nal interest and aptitude testing is discussed within the context of w orking with homeless people. The necessity of formulating a comprehens ive vocational plan is emphasized. Vocational rehabilitation resources available to homeless people are reviewed.