Evaluation of occupational programs in the city of Zurich

Occupational and job integration programs are components of low threshold drug policies. Since the mideighties many such projects have been realized not least to counteract the increasing pauperization of drug addicts and the spreading of AIDS. Two of these occupational programs, the ''Job-Bus'' and the ''Forderband (Conveyor Belt)'', were evaluated by the means of two quantitative cross-sectional studies and by a qualitative topic oriented interview in the second phase. The results presented refer to the second phase of the evaluation. The proportion of women in the programs is low with only 10%. The average age of 38.4 is higher than in other institutions for drug users. The work program is well accepted among the participants, and there is a high demand for such programs in the target group. Non-material aspects such as structuring of days, contact opportunities and fulfillment give the institution an additional significance. The author therefore recommends expansion of these programs under occupational and socio-pedagogical aspects. In doing so, the underrepresented women and young adults ought to be reached. Furthermore it should be examined whether stable users can be employed permanently.