ABSTRACT
A six-month exploratory program was conducted at the San Fernando Valley Juvenile Hall, Intensive Care Unit. Children assigned to this unit were aged twelve to eighteen and had histories of behavior problems that suggested the necessity of intensive care. The problem was the development of a program of sufficient power to enable one or two probation counselors to handle 20 or more such youths, the emphasis being on behavior control. In its most elementary form the procedure involves the giving of "plus", for appropriate behavior which includes self-control, degree of participation in group activities, and other responses deemed requisite. The system in addition to controlling behavior is consistent with the detention facility's policy of providing a means of self-evaluation to providing the staff with information as to which children can be given responsibilities and special privileges. Highest praise came for ease of group control, an attenuation of the amount of profanity and aggressiveness, an augmentation in group participation.
