Teenagers' running from foster placement is a significant problem in the field of child protection. This article describes a functional, behavior analytic approach to reducing running away through assessing the motivations for running, involving the youth in the assessment process, and implementing interventions to enhance the reinforcing value of placements for adolescents, thereby reducing the probability of running and associated unsafe periods. A case study illustrates this approach and a study compares 13 adolescents who ran away frequently and received interventions with a group of matched adolescents who had similar patterns of running but received only services as usual. The percentage of days on runaway status showed a significant pre-post reduction for those in the functional group, in contrast to no statistical change in the comparison group. Potential benefits this approach may have for foster care and child protection in improving youth safety, permanence, and connections for life are discussed.

Objectives: An extensive literature base exists for behavioral parent training; however, few studies have focused on training direct care staff at group home and residential facilities for children. This study was conducted to determine whether a behavioral staff training program consisting of classroom training and in-home feedback would improve staff interactions with children at two group foster care homes. Method: Staff at both homes were trained, and direct observation measures were obtained on positive and negative interactions and lack of interactions. A multiple-baseline design across homes was used to assess staff interaction behavior. Results: Increases in both positive interactions and tool use were observed in the treatment phase, as were decreases in negative interactions for both group homes. Conclusions: The results suggest that training direct care staff, including social workers, to use behavioral strategies change patterns of interaction, resulting in a greater likelihood of improved relationships between staff and children.

Abuse, neglect, or both often result in removing children from their homes and placing them in foster care. As a result of these experiences, many children learn unhealthy behaviors. These “behavioral challenges” often lead to a cycle of multiple placement disruptions and progressively more restrictive placements. The philosophy, science, and technologies of behavior analysis are well suited to address this cycle. The Florida Department of Children and Families Behavior Analysis Services Program (BASP) is a behavior analysis initiative, combining research with service provision, developing and implementing data-based practices. Since 2001, the BASP has operated through statewide contracts with behavior analysis programs at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. The BASP employs board certified behavior analysts and offers promise for the continued development of best practices. This article provides a description on the foundations, development, and current status of the BASP.

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a contingency contracting program to eliminate nocturnal enuresis of three children ages 5 to 12. Methods: The program was implemented by the children's primary caregivers, two of whom were foster parents and the third a case worker in the foster care system. The program was a package intervention that included a written contingency contract, positive reinforcement for dry nights, removal of pull-ups, and a morning clean-up procedure when nocturnal enuresis occurred. A nonconcurrent multiple baseline across children design was used to evaluate the effects of the intervention. Results: Results show that the contingency contracting program was effective in eliminating nocturnal enuresis across all three participants. Discussion: The results are discussed in relation to the advantages of behavioral, nonpharmacological approaches to nocturnal enuresis and to the particular importance of successfully resolving such problems for children who are in foster care.

No abstract