DeJarnette Behavior Programs

The Point System

The point system had been developed to help each child assume and maintain responsibility for themself. Many priviledges were available to the children in the Adolescence Program, depending on their ability to handle the responsibilities of hall living. This was measured by points earned for following the daily routine, attending scheduled activities, general helpfulness, and effort in that activity. Each child was issued a point card, which they carried and staff would write in points earned after each activity. The children would turn in their cards twice each day. This was at 2:20 p.m. and bedtime. The points were then totaled and based on the amount earned, would earn their way through levels. This was recoreded on a Level Board. Children in higher levels earned increased priviledges. The graphic to the right is a page from the DeJarnette manual that describes how points are assigned.

If a child did not earn the needed amount of points required for one shift, they would be placed on probation and a P would be recorded on the Level Board. Gaining the required amount in the next shift would result with a check mark in the same box as the P. Failure to earn the needed amount of points two consecutive shifts would result in the return to the beginning of the next lower level. A lower amount of points and fewer shifts were required for each child to progress through lower levels. Levels 3, 4, 5, were levels with higher behavioral expectations. Level 5 was the highest level. Priviledges and behavioral expectations were greater for this level. When children were away from the Program, they would not move up or down in their progress through levels unless special arrangements were made ahead of time.