an icon of a headshot with some textExample: Applied Behavior Analysis and Children and Family Services

Family with 3 adopted children from diverse backgrounds, taking a walk in the park

The Leon County Department of Family Services provides parent training for all foster families in the county. The training includes information about risk factors and early warning signs of mental and physical wellness challenges, especially among children and adolescents whose biological families are not able to care for them. Foster families learn to support positive social behavior. They learn to promote educational success, and physical and emotional well-being. They are encouraged to provide positive, predictable homes for their foster children.

The following principles of ABA are represented in the example:

  • Positive Reinforcement. Encouragement for foster parents.
  • Antecedent Intervention. For example, training for foster families, providing a regular schedule for foster children in the home.

Tier 1 prevention strategies alone are not enough for some Leon County foster families. Four adolescent foster children (ages 16-17) have failed to meet the weeknight and weekend curfews. The youth stated that they never had curfews before. They do not see the why they need to follow these rules now. The four youth and their foster parents attend bi-monthly meetings with a social worker to receive additional support. Youth and foster parents learn about clear communication, predictable routines, safety, and the importance of rest to support overall health.

The social worker provides a strategy for the youth to earn a reward for meeting their curfew every night for one week. The foster parents and youth discuss this strategy and determine an appropriate reward. They agree to try this approach. Parents provide positive encouragement each night the youth arrives home on time. When the youth meet their curfew every night for one week, they choose one small reward. As the youth continue to meet curfew, the number of consecutive days they must meet curfew is increased.

The following principles of ABA are represented in the example:

  • Positive Reinforcement. Giving the youth rewards for good behavior.
  • Antecedent Intervention. Changing communication patterns.
  • Changing Criterion. For example, increasing the number of nights the youth must meet curfew.
One foster family and their foster child continue to struggle with problems related to curfew.  Jack, a 16-year old boy experienced significant trauma and loss before he was placed with the Simpson foster family. Jack continued to miss his curfew and has started leave the foster family’s home without telling his parents where he is going. Jack also has been skipping school. Jack’s uncle, George often finds Jack at his house when he returns home from work. Jack’s social worker, homeroom teacher, foster parents and Jack’s uncle meet to discuss these problem behaviors. The team asks Jack what an ideal placement would be. They describe what types of things he could earn by honoring a behavior contract. Jack states that he wants to spend more time with his uncle George. Together, they write a behavior contract that everyone signs. The contract includes specific details about attending school, completing assignments, and visiting George. Jack receives verbal praise for requesting to visit George. Sometimes, it is possible to visit, and other times, it is not possible. Jack is provided with alternate choices for places to go as well as a calendar “app” on his mobile phone where he can program a reminder about the next visit to see George.   Jack’s foster family tracks instances when Jack does not meet curfew, missed school days, and completion of school assignments.

The following principles of ABA are represented in the example:

  • Positive Reinforcement. Verbal praise for requesting to visit George.
  • Teaching Alternate Behavior. Requesting to visit Uncle George.
  • Antecedent Intervention. The behavior contract; the visual/calendar reminder.