Two of four units in a detention center initiated point or token economies and another unit improved their point program as a result of an in-service training program. The weekly average of staff disciplinary actions for the six weeks prior to the initiation or improvement of the programs was compared with the weekly average during the six weeks afterwards. There was a significant decrease in amount of room time dispensed on these three units whereas no change occurred on a fourth unit which did not alter its procedures. This study suggests that the introduction of point economies decreases the use of aversive procedures within detention facilities.
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