The purpose of the behavior management system in Child Welfare (CW) group homes is to maintain the safety of the residents, allow the orderly operation of the home, and encourage the growth of self discipline within each resident.  The group home staff use a written point system to determine the gain, loss, and restriction of resident privileges.  

• (1) Restriction of privileges.  Staff may restrict a resident's privileges for serious violations of the group home's rules.  Contact with immediate family, CW worker, or attorney is not restricted.
• (2) Room restriction.  If an adolescent resident's behavior is dangerous to others, a resident may be restricted to her unlocked bedroom for a "cooling off" period.  During room restriction, direct care specialist (DCS) staff observe the resident at least once every 15 minutes.  Room restriction does not exceed one hour and is terminated earlier when the resident regains self control.
• (3) Restriction requirements.  Prior to any restriction, staff explain the reasons for and the length of the restriction.  The resident is provided an opportunity to explain the behavior that led to the restriction.  Restriction of privileges is never for an indeterminate time.  All restrictions are documented.