In this study, interrater reliability of the Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS) was investigated utilizing 84 direct-care staff members familiar with 42 adults with moderate to profound mental retardation. Problematic overt behaviors were evaluated using the MAS. MAS items were found to be moderately but significantly reliable across raters.…

A survey of 46 agencies providing residential support to persons with disabilities examined their capacity to support persons with disabilities who present challenging behaviors. Two independent variables (organizational stability and administrative leadership) and four dependent variables (staff structures, staff training, measurement systems,…

This longitudinal study examined the effectiveness of intervention for behavioral objectives in Individualized Habilitation Plans of 130 adults with mental retardation in residential settings. Little evidence of effective intervention was found using three indicators: discontinuation of the behavior objective, change in challenging behavior, and…

The primary purpose of this study was to determine, for a court-adjudicated adolescent male sample (N = 160) mandated to a residential program setting, the degree to which their expressed motivation for getting help with their alcohol, illicit drug and illegal behavior problems was found to predict to the outcome of an early intervention treatment…

Described with statements and dialogues made by parents in weekly group therapy meetings are experiences and attitudes of parents whose children receive treatment in a residential center for behavioral problems. (MC)

Discusses problems that often occur in the implementation and maintenance of incentive programs in residential institutions for adolescents. Suggests recommendations for overcoming these problems. (MS)

All 1,101 clients with mental retardation residing in about 120 group homes of a residential service agency were surveyed on one date for usage of psychotropic medication. Findings indicated 27 percent had received one or more psychotropic drugs for behavioral or emotional disorders. Diagnoses such as psychosis and mood disorder and certain target…

One approach to student behavior that may be particularly useful in exclusionary settings is school-wide positive behavior supports (PBS). Increasingly, evidence shows that PBS is an effective approach to student behavior in regular public schools (Sugai & Horner, 2005). While the data on behavioral systems in exclusionary schools are…

Forty-one special education professionals and classroom aides, 47 residential care staff, and 74 high school students rated the treatment acceptability of three forms of physical restraint. A chair method of restraint was rated as more acceptable than other floor restraint methods by all three groups. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This study aimed to determine what youth characteristics were associated with emotional and behavioral problems exhibited within the first three months of placement in residential treatment centers (RTCs) in a sample of youth from 20 agencies in 13 states. Two primary research questions were addressed: 1) What characteristics were associated with…

Evaluation and results of this program study revealed significant overall improvements in adolescents who had participated in a therapeutic rehabilitation program. Further research needs to be done into areas where the treatment program was a failure. (Author/DEP)

Literature is reviewed on the use of timeout as exclusion and isolation with behavior problem children. Considerations in designing timeout procedures are noted, and the effectiveness of timeout when viewed as a punishment is discussed. Legal challenges to behavior modification uses are briefly addressed. A longitudinal study involving 29…

Military-style residential treatment for adolescents with academic and conduct problems is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional school-based services. However, dropout from "boot camp" programs is a primary reason for their high cost. Social-emotional functioning before referral may differentiate adolescents who…

This paper covers the application of functional behavioral assessment (FBA) to treatment of problem behavior in residential facilities. Basic behavioral concepts are covered with emphasis on antecedent events and their importance in assessment and treatment. The paper focuses on two types of assessment, the behavioral interview and A-B-C narrative…

The Bridge, Inc.'s Independent Living Demonstration Project, a residential project assisting 16- and 17-year-old runaways and throwaways to live successfully on their own after receiving 6-8 months of project services, served 10 male and 12 female adolescents during its second year of operation. Youth were from high, middle, and lower income…