ABSTRACT
The family plays a key role in the child’s development. Behavioral contracting with families of delinquents appears to have begun about 1970. Since that time there have been many published reports. Applications have differed somewhat and results have varied with programs, measures, and settings. An early report by R. B. Stuart presented extensive rationale and a case example. J. F. Alexander and B. V. Parsons appear to have further emphasized this point in a form of behavioral family contracting which focused on “reciprocity of communication”. A. L. Robin and S. L. Foster have combined problem-solving with communication training in their approach to therapy with the families of adolescents. The behavioral family contract, combined with self-control training, resulted in an almost immediate cessation of stealing. Stealing did not occur again over eighteen months of follow-up while productive, nondelinquent behavior increased.
