Such job placement programs show promise for improving outcomes for people returning from prison and jail, but exist only in a handful of communities. ^[1]   The Safer Foundation, for example, is a Chicago-based organization that provides job training and placement, as well as transitional housing and other supportive services for individuals released from prison or jail. They place nearly 1,500 individuals each year, and report significantly lower recidivism findings for their clients than nonparticipants. ^[2]   An evaluation of Safer found that 29 percent of clients who completed the program (in 1996) committed a new crime in the first 180 days of release, as compared to the 40 percent recidivism rate statewide that year. ^[3]   The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in New York City is another example of a large-scale job placement program, which serves an average of 1,800 clients per year (nonviolent felony parolees, individuals on work release, probationers). ^[4]   CEO clients have an average annual placement rate of over 60 percent and average earnings nearly 50 percent above minimum wage. ^[5]   , ^[6]   The CEO model consists first of preparing the person through job readiness training and an in-depth assessment with a job counselor, then providing them with paid transitional employment to establish their self-sufficiency and a sense of accomplishment. During their transitional employment, participants receive job development training based on the feedback from their temporary supervisors. Then, the individual is placed in a permanent job placement and, for the next twelve months, receives support from a counselor. After the one-year period has passed, CEO will continue to provide support and training as is necessary. ^[7]