Gender differences in vocational needs and outcomes for methadone treatment clients

Data from a pilot randomized field experiment conducted from 1990 to 1992 in three methadone treatment programs were analyzed to examine potential gender differences in vocational needs and outcomes. The study data were collected from 103 female and 147 male clients who were recommended by their counselors or were randomly sampled from all remaining clients enrolled in treatment. Half of each of these two groups of clients were randomly assigned to standard treatment and half to standard treatment plus an experimental Training and Employment Program (TEP). Analysis of the data indicates that (a) males and females differed significantly in terms of initial employment histories, employment status, and vocational readiness; (b) males received an equal amount or more TEP services than females from an on-site vocational specialist; and (c) within the TEP condition at three months, males received more referrals and placement services than did females. These results suggest that males and females have different vocational service needs and outcomes.