View source for Behavior modification facility

{{Short description|Institution}}
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A '''behavior modification facility''' (or '''youth residential program''') is a residential educational and treatment [[total institution]] enrolling adolescents who are perceived as displaying antisocial behavior, in an attempt to alter their conduct.

Due to irregular licensing rules across countries and states, as well as ambiguity regarding the labels that facilities use themselves, it is hard to gauge how widespread the facilities are.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=2021-06-18|title=Troubled US teens left traumatised by tough love camps|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57442175|access-date=2021-06-19}}</ref> The facilities are part of what has been called the Troubled Teen Industry.<ref name=":0" /> Programs in the United States have been controversial due to widespread allegations of abuse and trauma imposed on the adolescents who are enrolled, as well as deceptive marketing practices aimed at parents.<ref name=":0" /> Critics say the facilities do not use evidence-based treatments.<ref name=":0" />

==Methodologies used in such programs==
Practices and service quality in such program vary greatly. The [[behavior modification]] methodologies used vary, but a combination of positive and negative reinforcement is typically used.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Martin |first1=G. |last2=Pear |first2=J. |year=2007 |title=Behavior modification: What it is and how to do it |edition=8th |location=Upper Saddle River, NJ |publisher=Pearson Prentice Hall}}</ref> Often these methods are delivered in a [[contingency management]] format such as a point system or level system.<ref>{{Cite journal |jstor = 44417185|title = Contingency Management in a Correctional Institution|last1 = McKee|first1 = John M.|journal = Educational Technology|year = 1971|volume = 11|issue = 4|pages = 51–54}}</ref> Such methodology has been found to be highly effective in the treatment of disruptive disorders (see meta-analysis of Chen & Ma (2007).<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1037/h0100629|title = Effects of treatment on disruptive behaviors: A quantitative synthesis of single-subject researches using the PEM approach|year = 2007|last1 = Chen|first1 = Chiu-Wen|last2 = Ma|first2 = Hsen-Hsing|journal = The Behavior Analyst Today|volume = 8|issue = 4|pages = 380–397|doi-access = free}}</ref>

Positive reinforcement mechanisms include points, rewards and signs of status,<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1037/h0100820|title = Level systems revisited: An important tool for educating students with emotional and behavioral disorders|year = 2007|last1 = Cancio|first1 = Edward J.|last2 = Johnson|first2 = Jesse W.|journal = International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy|volume = 3|issue = 4|pages = 512–527|doi-access = free}}</ref> while punishment procedures may include [[time-out (parenting)|time-out]]s,<ref name="McGuffin, P.W. 1991">{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1002/bin.2360060405|title = The effect of timeout duration on frequency of aggression in hospitalized children with conduct disorders|year = 1991|last1 = McGuffin|first1 = Patrick W.|journal = Behavioral Interventions|volume = 6|issue = 4|pages = 279–288}}</ref> point deductions, reversal of status, prolonged stays at a facility, physical restraint, or even [[corporal punishment]]. Research showed that time out length was not a factor and suggestions were made to limit time out to five minute durations.<ref name="McGuffin, P.W. 1991"/>  A newer approach uses graduated sanctions.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Howell |first=J. C. |year=1998 |title=A new approach to juvenile crime: The promise of graduated sanctions in a juvenile justice system |journal=Corrections Compendium |volume=23 |issue=9}}</ref> Staff appear easily trained in behavioral intervention, such training is maintained and does lead to improved consumer outcomes, as well as reduce turn over.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1002/bin.2360010104|title = Training community residential staff: Evaluation and follow-up|year = 1986|last1 = Rosen|first1 = Howard S.|last2 = Yerushalmi|first2 = Cydney J.|last3 = Walker|first3 = Jane C.|journal = Behavioral Interventions|volume = 1|pages = 15–38}}</ref> More restrictive punishment procedures in general are less appealing to staff and administrators.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1002/bin.2360070105|title = Acceptability of behavioral interventions: Perceptions of superintendents of public residential facilities|year = 1992|last1 = Lindeman|first1 = David P.|last2 = Miltenberger|first2 = Raymond G.|last3 = Lennox|first3 = David B.|journal = Behavioral Interventions|volume = 7|pages = 35–44}}</ref>

Behavioral programs were found to lessen the need for medication.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1002/(SICI)1099-078X(199802)13:1<67::AID-BIN5>3.0.CO;2-I|title = A comprehensive treatment program for inpatient adolescents|year = 1998|last1 = Foxx|first1 = R. M.|journal = Behavioral Interventions|volume = 13|pages = 67–77}}</ref>  Several studies have found that gains made in residential treatment programs are maintained from 1–5 years post discharge.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/features/surgeongeneralreport/chapter3/sec7.asp |title=U.S. Surgeon General (1999). Mental Health. Chapter 3 |access-date=2010-07-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528003227/http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/features/surgeongeneralreport/chapter3/sec7.asp#treatment |archive-date=2010-05-28 }}</ref> [[Therapeutic boarding schools]] are boarding schools based on the therapeutic community model that offers an educational program together with specialized structure and supervision for students with emotional and behavioral problems, substance abuse problems, or learning difficulties. Some schools are accredited as [[Residential treatment center]]s. [http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/article_5382.shtml][https://web.archive.org/web/20070614041025/http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/accred/reports/TeamReports/WestRidgeAcad.pdf]

Behavioral residential treatment became so popular in the 1970s and 1980s that a journal was formed called ''Behavioral Residential Treatment'', which later changed its name to ''[[Behavioral Interventions]]''. The journal continues to be published today.

==History==
In the late 1960s, [[behavior modification]] or practice referred to as [[applied behavior analysis]] began to move rapidly into residential treatment facilities.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cohen |first1=H. L. |last2=Filipczak |first2=J. |last3=Bis |first3=J. |last4=Cohen |first4=J. |last5=Golddiamond |first5=I. |last6=Larkin |first6=P. |year=1968 |title=Case II- Model: A contingency oriented twenty-four-hour learning environment in a juvenile correctional institution |location=Silver Spring, Md |publisher=IBR Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Milan |first1=M. A. |last2=McKee |first2=J. M. |year=1974 |chapter=Behavior modification: Principles and applications in corrections |editor-last=Glasser |editor-first=D. |title=Handbook of Criminology |location=Chicago |publisher=Rand McNally}}</ref> The goal was to redesign the behavioral architecture around delinquent teens to lessen chances of recidivism<ref>{{cite journal |last=Cohen |first=H. L. |date=1964 |title=Behavioral architecture |journal=Architectural Association Journal}}</ref> and improve academics.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1037/h0025874|title = Token reinforcement of academic performance with institutionalized delinquent boys|year = 1968|last1 = Tyler|first1 = Vernon O.|last2 = Brown|first2 = G. Duane|journal = Journal of Educational Psychology|volume = 59|issue = 3|pages = 164–168|pmid = 5662684}}</ref> Harold Cohen and James Filipczak (1971) published a book hailing the successes of such programs in doubling learning rates and reducing recidivism.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cohen |first1=H. L. |last2=Filipczak |first2=J. |year=1971 |title=A new learning environment |publisher=Jossey Bass}}</ref> This book even contained an introduction from the leading behaviorist at the time, [[B.F. Skinner]] hailing the achievements. Independent analysis of multiple sites with thousands of adolescents found behavior modification to be more effective than treatment as usual, a therapeutic milieu, and as effective as more psychologically intense programs such as transactional analysis with better outcomes on behavioral measures;<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1037/h0078109|title = Comparative Effectiveness of Behavior Modification and Transactional Analysis Programs for Delinquents|year = 1975|last1 = Jeness|first1 = Carl F.|journal = Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology|volume = 43|issue = 6|pages = 758–779|pmid = 1194473}}</ref> however, these authors found that behavior modification was more prone to leading to poor relationships with the clients.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Over time, interest faded in Cohen's CASE project.<ref name="Rutherford, A. 2009">{{cite book |last=Rutherford |first=A. |year=2009 |title=Beyond the Box: B. F. Skinner's Technology of behavior from laboratory to life, 1950s-1970s |location=Toronto |publisher=University of Toronto Press}}</ref> Other studies found that in proper supervision of staff in behavior modification facilities could lead to greater use of punishment procedures.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi=10.1901/jaba.1977.10-375|title=The Effect of the Absence of Close Supervision on the Use of Response Cost in a Prison Token Economy 1|year=1977|last1=Bassett|first1=John E.|last2=Blanchard|first2=Edward B.|journal=Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis|volume=10|issue=3|pages=375–379|pmid=924912|pmc=1311200}}</ref>

Under the leadership of [[Montrose Wolf]], Achievement place, the first Teaching Family Home became the prototype for behavioral programs.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1901/jaba.1968.1-213|title = Achievement Place: Token reinforcement procedures in a home-style rehabilitation setting for "pre-delinquent" boys1|year = 1968|last1 = Phillips|first1 = Elery L.|journal = Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis|volume = 1|issue = 3|pages = 213–223|pmid = 16795179|pmc = 1311003}}</ref> Achievement place opened in 1967. Each home has from 6-8 boys in it with two "parents" trained in behavior modification principles. The [[token economy|token system]] for the program was divided into 3 levels.  Outcome studies have found that Achievement place and other teaching family homes reduce [[recidivism]] and increase pro-social behavior, as well as self-esteem.<ref>{{cite report |last1=Braukenmann |first1=C. J. |last2=Wolf |first2=M. M. |last3=Kirgin-Ramp |first3=K. A |year=1985 |title=Follow up of group home youth into young adulthood |publisher=Achievement Place Research Project}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1016/0190-7409(81)90017-7|title = The teaching-family model: Research and dissemination in a service program|year = 1981|last1 = Maloney|first1 = Dennis M.|last2 = Fixsen|first2 = Dean L.|last3 = Phillips|first3 = Elery L.|journal = Children and Youth Services Review|volume = 3|issue = 4|pages = 343–355}}</ref> While initial research suggested the effects of the program only lasted for one year post discharge, recent review of the data suggests the program lasts longer in effect.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1037/h0101002|title = The teaching-family model and post-treatment recidivism: A critical review of the conventional wisdom|year = 2006|last1 = Kingsley|first1 = David E.|journal = International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy|volume = 2|issue = 4|pages = 481–497|doi-access = free}}</ref>

Gradually,  [[behavior modification]] /[[applied behavior analysis]] within the penal system including residential facilities for delinquent youth lost popularity in the 1970s-1980s due to a large number of abuses (see Cautilli & Weinberg (2007) <ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1037/h0100100|title = Editorial: To license or not to license? That is the question: Or, if we make a profession, will they come?|year = 2007|last1 = Cautilli|first1 = Joseph|last2 = Weinberg|first2 = Michael|journal = The Behavior Analyst Today|volume = 8|pages = 1–8|doi-access = free}}</ref>), but recent trends in the increase in U.S. [[crime]] and recent focus on reduction of [[recidivism]] have given such programs a second look [https://archive.today/20041231155321/http://www.ftnys.org/juv.htm].<ref>{{cite web |last=Redding |first=R.E. |title=Characteristics of Effective Treatments and Interventions for Juvenile Offenders |website=US Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs |url=https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/characteristics-effective-treatments-and-interventions-juvenile}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Lipsey |first1=M. |last2=Wilson |first2=D. |year=1998 |chapter=Effective intervention for serious juvenile offenders: A synthesis of research |editor-first=R. |editor-last=Loeber |editor2-first=D. |editor2-last=Farrington |title=Serious and Violent Juvenile Offenders |publisher=Sage Publications |location=Thousand Oaks, CA}}</ref> Indeed, because of societal needs the number of youth residential facilities has grown over recent years to close to 39,950 in 2000.<ref name="baojournal.com">{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1037/h0100467|title = Methodological concerns of residential treatment and recidivism for juvenile offenders with disruptive behavioral disorders|year = 2008|last1 = Underwood|first1 = Lee A.|last2 = Talbott|first2 = Leana Baggett|last3 = Mosholder|first3 = Eleanor|last4 = von Dresner|first4 = Kara Sandor|journal = The Journal of Behavior Analysis of Offender and Victim Treatment and Prevention|volume = 1|issue = 2|pages = 222–236|doi-access = free}}</ref> The use of functional analysis has been shown to be teachable to staff and able to reduce use of punishment procedures.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1002/bin.252|title = Functional analysis skills training for residential caregivers|year = 2008|last1 = Phillips|first1 = Katrina J.|last2 = Mudford|first2 = Oliver C.|journal = Behavioral Interventions|volume = 23|pages = 1–12}}</ref> Rutherford's (2009) review from interviews and archival materials documents the decline from  treatment of  behavior analysis with criminal justice populations.<ref name="Rutherford, A. 2009"/>

These facilities are part of what has been described as the Troubled Teen Industry.<ref name=":0" />

==Some model programs==
{{POV section|date=March 2020}}
Studies of successful graduates have shown that boot camp programs as an alternative to prison time are particularly successful in reducing criminality, but these studies are limited to successful graduates of state correctional and prison-alternative programs managed by current and former military service members.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Daly |first=D. L. |year=1994 |title=Do boot camps work |journal=Caring |volume=10 |pages=7–9}}</ref> Programs such as teaching family homes based on the [[Teaching-Family Model]] have been researched by industry funded organizations and show positive gains. Research shows that they can be used to reduce delinquency while adolescents are in the home and post release {see Kingsley (2006).<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1037/h0101002|title=The teaching-family model and post-treatment recidivism: A critical review of the conventional wisdom|year=2006|last1=Kingsley|first1=David E.|journal=International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy|volume=2|issue=4|pages=481–497|doi-access=free}}</ref> In general, these types of programs take a [[behavioral engineering]] approach to reducing problem behavior and building skills.

In general, behavior modification programs, including military style boot camps that follow modern curriculum, that are used in facilities or in the natural environment have a large effect size and lead to an estimated 15 to 40% reduction in recidivism.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Itlescas |first1=S. R. |last2=Sánchez-Meca |first2=J. |last3=Genovés |first3=V. G. |year=2001 |title=Treatment of offenders and recidivism: Assessment of the effectiveness of programmes applied in Europe |url=http://www.psychologyinspain.com/content/reprints/2001/6.pdf |journal=Psychology in Spain |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=47–62}}</ref> While this reduction appears to be modest, it holds potential in the U.S. given the large number of people in the prison system. Increasingly, behavior modification models based on the principles of [[applied behavior analysis]], cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectic behavioral therapy are being developed to model and reduce delinquency and are being integrated into programs of all types.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi = 10.1007/BF03392407|title = Introductory Comments: Applied Behavior Analysis in Crime and Delinquency: Focus on Prevention|year = 1987|last1 = Morris|first1 = Edward K.|journal = The Behavior Analyst|volume = 10|issue = 1|pages = 67–68|pmid = 22477961|pmc = 2741939}}</ref>

==Controversy==
This industry is not without controversy, however.  The U.S. Surgeon General (1999) discussed the need to clarify admission criteria to residential treatment programs.<ref name="mentalhealth.samhsa.gov">[http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/features/surgeongeneralreport/chapter3/sec7.asp#treatment  U.S. Surgeon General (1999). Mental Health. Chapter 3]  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528003227/http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/features/surgeongeneralreport/chapter3/sec7.asp#treatment |date=May 28, 2010 }}</ref> Included in the same report was the call for more updated research as most of the residential research had been completed in the 1960s and 1970s.<ref name="mentalhealth.samhsa.gov"/>{{Dead link|date=September 2010}}.   [[Disability rights]] organizations, such as the [[Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law]], oppose placement in such programs and call into question the appropriateness and efficacy of such group placements, the failure of such programs to address problems in the child's home and community environment, the limited or no mental health services offered and substandard educational programs.

Bazelon promotes community-based services on the basis that it considers more effective and less costly than residential placement.<ref name="Forest Grove Factsheet">[http://www.bazelon.org/pdf/ForestGrove_factsheet.pdf U.S. Supreme Court to Decide Forest Grove v. T.A.: Parents Should Win, But Bazelon Center Opposes Therapeutic Boarding Schools] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090521083012/http://www.bazelon.org/pdf/ForestGrove_factsheet.pdf |date=2009-05-21 }}, [[Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law]], Retrieved May 1, 2009</ref> While the behavior modification programs can be delivered as easily in residential programs as in community-based programs <ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1037/h0100897|title=Using reliable change to calculate clinically significant progress in children with EBD: A BHRS program evaluation|year=2010|last1=Thoder|first1=Vincent J.|last2=Hesky|first2=James G.|last3=Cautilli|first3=Joseph D.|journal=International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy|volume=6|pages=45–66|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1002/bin.2360080402|title=Behavioral interventions: Theory and practice in residential and community-based clinical programs|year=1993|last1=Fuoco|first1=Frederick J.|journal=Behavioral Interventions|volume=8|issue=4|pages=227–228}}</ref> overall community-based programs continue to lack empirical support especially with respect to long term outcomes for severe cases <ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1037/h0079274|title=Placement of emotionally disturbed children in residential treatment: A review of placement criteria|year=1991|last1=Wells|first1=Kathleen|journal=American Journal of Orthopsychiatry|volume=61|issue=3|pages=339–347|pmid=1951641}}</ref> with the notable exception of Hinckley and Ellis (1985).<ref>{{Cite journal|doi = 10.1207/s15374424jccp1403_7|title = An Effective Alternative to Residential Placement: Home-based Services|year = 1985|last1 = Hinckley|first1 = Edward C.|last2 = Ellis|first2 = W. Frank|journal = Journal of Clinical Child Psychology|volume = 14|issue = 3|pages = 209–213}}</ref> Even with this said, in 1999 the surgeon general clearly stated "...it is premature to endorse the effectiveness of residential treatment for adolescents.".<ref name="mentalhealth.samhsa.gov"/>{{Dead link|date=September 2010}}

From late 2007 through 2008, a broad coalition of [[grass roots]] efforts, prominent [[medical]] and [[psychological]] organizations that including members of Alliance for the Safe, Therapeutic and Appropriate use of Residential Treatment (ASTART) and the [[Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth]] (CAFETY), provided testimony and support that led to the creation of the ''Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008'' by the [[United States Congress]] [[Committee on Education and Labor]].<ref name=SCARPTA>[http://edlabor.house.gov/issues/residentialprograms.shtml "Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229095326/http://edlabor.house.gov/issues/residentialprograms.shtml |date=2008-12-29 }} Official bill language from the [[U.S. Congress]]. Retrieved May 1, 2009.</ref>

Jon Martin-Crawford and Kathryn Whitehead of CAFETY testified at a hearing of the [[United States Congress]] [[Committee on Education and Labor]] on April 24, 2008,<ref name=USCCEL>[http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/fc-2008-04-24.shtml "Child Abuse and Deceptive Marketing by Residential Programs for Teens."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212022131/http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/fc-2008-04-24.shtml |date=2008-12-12 }} Official testimony to the U.S. Congress. Retrieved May 1, 2009.</ref> where they described abusive practices they had experienced at  the [[Family Foundation School]] and [[Mission Mountain School]], both therapeutic boarding schools.<ref name=JMC-transcript>[http://edlabor.house.gov/testimony/2008-04-24-JonMartinCrawford.pdf "Transcript of testimony of Jon Martin-Crawford."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430032730/http://edlabor.house.gov/testimony/2008-04-24-JonMartinCrawford.pdf |date=2009-04-30 }} Official transcript from the U.S. Congress. Retrieved May 1, 2009.</ref><ref name=KW-transcript>[http://edlabor.house.gov/testimony/2008-04-24-KathrynWhitehead.pdf "Transcript of testimony of Kathryn Whitehead."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430042214/http://edlabor.house.gov/testimony/2008-04-24-KathrynWhitehead.pdf |date=2009-04-30 }} Official transcript from the U.S. Congress. Retrieved May 1, 2009.</ref>

One recent acknowledgement has been that long term care does not equate with better outcomes.<ref name="baojournal.com"/>
To reduce the tendency for abuse, a strong push has occurred to certify or license behavior modifiers<ref>[http://www.bacb.com BACB]   {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080107154817/http://www.bacb.com/ |date=January 7, 2008  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baojournal.com/ |title=Home |website=baojournal.com}}</ref> or to have such practices limited to licensed psychologists.[http://forms.apa.org/practice/modelactlicensure/ModelActforReview.pdf]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In particular psychologists with behavioral training <ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1037/h0099908|title=Improving outcomes requires more, not less, from psychology|year=2001|last1=Hunter|first1=Richard H.|journal=The Behavior Analyst Today|volume=2|pages=4–13|doi-access=free}}</ref> American psychological association offers a diplomat (post Ph.D. and licensed certification) in behavioral psychology.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1037/h0099904|title=Board certification (Diplomate) in behavioral psychology|year=2001|last1=Dowd|first1=E. Thomas|journal=The Behavior Analyst Today|volume=2|pages=15–17|doi-access=free}}</ref>

Often the practice of behavior modification in facilities comes into question (see recent interest in [[Judge Rotenberg Educational Center]], [[Aspen Education Group]] and the [[World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools]]). Often these types of restrictive issues are discussed as part of ethical and legal standards (see [[Professional practice of behavior analysis]]). Recent research has identified some best practices for use in such facilities<ref name="baojournal.com"/> In general policies in such facilities require the presence of a treatment team to ensure that abuses do not occur especially if facilities are attempting to use punishment programs.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1002/bin.2360010205|title=A survey of state policies regarding the use of restrictive/Aversive behavior modification procedures|year=1986|last1=Spreat|first1=Scott|last2=Lipinski|first2=David P.|journal=Behavioral Interventions|volume=1|issue=2|pages=137–152}}</ref>

==Regulations==
In the U.S. residential treatment programs are all monitored at the state level and many are JACHO accredited. States vary in requirements to open such centers. Due to the absence of regulation of these programs by the federal government and because many are not subject to state licensing or monitoring,<ref name="FTC Urges Caution">[http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/residentialfyi.shtm  Evaluating Private Residential Treatment Programs for Troubled Teens, FTC Urges Caution When Considering 'Boot Camps'], [[Federal Trade Commission|FTC Federal Trade Commission]], Retrieved May 1, 2009</ref> the Federal Trade Commission has issued a guide for parents considering such placement.<ref name="Facts for Consumers">[http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro27.shtm Considering a Private Residential Treatment Program for a Troubled Teen? Questions for Parents and Guardians to Ask], [[Federal Trade Commission|FTC Federal Trade Commission]], Retrieved May 1, 2009</ref> Due to irregular licensing practices and differences in the kinds of labels that facilities use themselves, it is unclear how many facilities exist in the United States.<ref name=":0" />

===Organizations===
Residential therapist who are behavior modifiers should join professional organizations and be professionally affiliated. Many organizations exist for behavior therapists around the world. The World Association for Behavior Analysis offers a certification in behavior therapy [https://web.archive.org/web/20110110222511/http://www.baojournal.com/WCBA/WCBA.html] In the United States, the American Psychological Association's Division 25 is the division for [[behavior analysis]]. The Association for Contextual Behavior Therapy is another professional organization. ACBS is home to many clinicians with specific interest in third generation behavior therapy. The [[Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies]] (formerly the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy) is for those with a more cognitive orientation. Internationally, most behavior therapists find a core intellectual home in the International [[Association for Behavior Analysis]] (ABA:I) [http://www.abainternational.org/].

==See also==
*[[Gooning (kidnapping)|Gooning]]
*[[Therapeutic boarding school]]
*[[Teaching-Family Model]]
*[[Residential treatment center]]
*[[Troubled teen industry]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro27.shtm Considering a Private Residential Treatment Program for a Troubled Teen? Questions for Parents and Guardians to Ask], [[Federal Trade Commission|U.S. Federal Trade Commission]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080201115558/http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1220.html US State Dept. page] on offshore BMFs
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060424070531/http://www.teenliberty.org/ TeenLiberty.org]}}, a site which cites many complaints against BMFs
*[http://www.apa.org/pi/cyf/cyfnewsarchive.html "Exploitation in the Name of 'Specialty Schooling'] by Allison Pinto, Ph.D., Robert M. Friedman, Ph.D. and Monica Epstein, Ph.D., Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, ''American Psychological Association: Children, Youth and Families News'', Summer 2005, retrieved June 28, 2006
* [http://www.bazelon.org/ Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law]
* [http://astart.fmhi.usf.edu/ Alliance for the Safe, Therapeutic and Appropriate use of Residential Treatment]
*[http://www.cafety.org/ Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth]
*{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927220556/http://forums.youthrights.org/forumdisplay.php?f=42 National Youth Rights Association forum on BMFs]}}
* [https://theparenthelpcenter.com The Parent Help Center] Child discipline boot camps for troubled youth - Summer Success Behavior Camp, Weekend Success Camp, and Online Empowered Parent Conference.

{{Troubled teen industry}}
{{Developments}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Behavior Modification Facility}}
[[Category:Behavior modification]]
[[Category:Behaviorism]]
[[Category:Youth rights]]