A WAY OUT FOR TEEN INMATES.(CAPITAL REGION)

Byline: CAROL DeMARE Staff writer

Almost immediately after Dominique Smalls arrived here from Queens last August, the 19-year-old found herself in trouble.

The street-smart teen was arrested while holding crack cocaine for a friend who was playing dice. She was sentenced to six months in Albany County jail and placed on five years' probation.

The jail stay may turn her life around.

While incarcerated, Smalls participated in a unique program designed to steer young inmates away from crime. Begun in 1991, the Adolescent Employability Skills Plus Program, or AESPP, tries to boost the inmates' self-esteem, teach them basic employment skills and encourages them to return to school or obtain a General Equivalency Diploma, or GED. They are also offered addiction counseling and assistance with housing and health services.

Inmates meet weekly with …