ONLY LIMITED ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED TO OFFENDERS ELIGIBLE FOR COMMUNITY-BASED CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMS ACCORDING TO THIS 1980 COMPTROLLER GENERAL'S REPORT TO THE CONGRESS. OFFENDERS WHO NEED ASSISTANCE IN ORDER TO SUCCESSFULLY ASSUME JOB, FAMILY, AND OTHER COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN RELEASED AFTER COMPLETING THEIR SENTENCES, ARE ON PROBATION OR PAROLE, OR ARE SERVING PART OF THEIR SENTENCE UNDER SUPERVISED LIVING ARRANGEMENTS. HOWEVER, THE BUREAU OF PRISONS HAS NO SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING WHICH OFFENDERS WILL BE SENT TO COMMUNITY FACILITIES OR THE LENGTH OF TIME THEY SHOULD STAY. PROBATION OFFICERS DO NOT EFFECTIVELY HELP OFFENDERS, AGENCIES HAVING JURISDICTION OVER OFFENDERS DO NOT SHARE INFORMATION, AND, IN MAJOR METROPOLITAN AREAS, FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES DUPLICATE PROGRAM SERVICES AND FUNDING. THE REPORT RECOMMENDS IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF THESE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING REGULAR ASSESSMENT OF OFFENDERS' NEEDS AND PROGRESS IN MEETING PROGRAM GOALS. IT ALSO SUGGESTS IMPROVED CONTRACTING PRACTICES; IMPROVED GUIDANCE FOR PROBATION OFFICERS BY THE FEDERAL PROBATION SYSTEM; AND COOPERATION BETWEEN PROBATION AND CORRECTIONAL AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE THAT EMPLOYABILITY OF OFFENDERS IS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS. COMMENTS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES COURTS ARE INCLUDED AS APPENDIX I; AND A DETAILED ANALYSIS ALSO IS PRESENTED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED--(AOP)