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Don’t Abandon the Level System

Dan Thorne • Jan 07, 2022

For years, residential facilities used the level and point system as a means of positive discipline. The concept was that each youth who arrived at the facility would start at the bottom level, say Level A. They were able to receive points for their positive behavior. When they spent a certain amount of time in the facility or they accumulated sufficient points, the youth was then promoted to Level B. Then depending on the agency, there were upper levels consistent with the time in the facility and increased points for good behavior. If a youth engaged in inappropriate behavior, they could have points subtracted. If the infraction was severe such as possession of contraband or altercations, they could be moved down a level.


The theory behind the level system was that getting points for the youth would incentivize them to improve their behaviors and reduce problems within the community. However, in the past twenty years, literature came out disagreeing with the level and point system. You can Google papers about the prior research conducted, which stated that it led to increased restraints, more staff injuries, and turnover. The research also indicated that it was not trauma-informed, which had some validity. For example, if a youth was penalized for running away due to a re-traumatization, they are punished due to their trauma. 


In 2019, I wrote in a blog about other challenges, including that the level and point system was not “real world” based; adults do not have level systems at work (not the same as promotions) or points awarded to them. Plus, the youth entering always comes in at the bottom only because they’re new, giving them a clear disadvantage to benefit as others do. Finally, I wrote about how levels can stigmatize youths, that they are seen as an “A”, “B”, or another level rather than the person. 


However, in a web conference in 2020 by the Association of Children’s Residential and Community Services (ACRC), several organizations presented how they work with commercially sexually exploited children and youth (CSECY). Most of them used a level and point system with their clients to help them move from living “the life” into a new self-perspective. This population has one of the highest incidences of trauma, yet a level and point system proved beneficial to them. This contradicts past research. 


Fast forward to 2022. Many organizations are now rethinking their view of level and point systems. Those who abandoned them now see that their youth are having more difficulties instead of less. Increased AWOLs, physical and verbal altercations, substance use, and delinquent activities are reported by agencies. Executive Directors of these residential facilities I’ve spoken to express their frustration. “How can I keep the youths out of trouble when there are no consequences to their actions?” is a common question. 


The answer is to keep the level system but use it more positively. Rather than move a client down a level due to negative behavior, they can stay where they’re at. They can’t move up until they engage in requested behavior, but they’re not penalized. Also, include earning points for treatment participation such as therapy, groups, family visits, and other services. Add these to the other ways the client can earn points such as chores, homework, and other healthy tasks.  Setting up a level and point system combined with a therapeutic system increases their success rate.


For more information about developing these programs, contact Praxes.  

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