The COGP was authorized to provide more appropriate intervention for youthful offenders who are not career criminals but who are likely to become career criminals and/or serious offenders; to provide a degree of security and discipline appropriate to the offender involved; to provide diagnosis, treatment, and services for offenders interested in pursuing lawful and productive conduct following release (counseling, substance abuse treatment, education, and job training and placement assistance); to reduce criminal recidivism; to lower the cost of correctional services and facilities by reducing recidivism; and to provide work that promotes the development of industrial and service skills in connection with correctional options. Planning grants have been made available in fiscal year 1994 to support up to 25 eligible public agencies in implementing the COGP. Application and administrative procedures are described for obtaining COGP funds, and program selection criteria are identified. Appendixes list State points of contact associated with the COGP and include application forms and instructions.