Behavior modification facility

A behavior modification facility (or Youth Residential Program) is a private, residential educational institution to which parents send adolescents who are perceived as displaying asocial behavior, in an attempt to alter their conduct.

About
A number of behavior modification facilities are operated in the United States, with others operating in Mexico, Jamaica and Costa Rica primarily for the children of U.S. residents. The most notable organizations operating such programs is the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASP) operating facilities such as Tranquility Bay, the Spring Creek Lodge Academy and Aspen Education Group.

The behavior modification methodologies used vary, but a combination of positive and negative reinforcement is typically used. Positive reinforcement mechanisms include points, rewards and signs of status, while negative reinforcement may include time-outs, point deductions, reversal of status, prolonged stays at a facility, physical restraint, or even corporal punishment.