Laurelton Scrip Programs

SCRIP AND TOKENS BEHAVIOR REWARDS

Many institutions, schools, and others with behavioral change programs often used money-type rewards and at times Laurelton did also.  There were various departments and cottages using a varied number of reward systems.  These awards could be earned by the residents in daily activities in some of the units by good behavior, completing work plans, in various training classes, in the workshop program, and by meeting personal daily goals.  Awards were usually redeemable in the cottage or building in which the activity was occurring.   

"Money" earned came in differing forms depending upon the decade in which the activity was held, the functioning level of the participants, and the goals and sources of the funding.  Poker chip- type coins, daily notes written on index cards, and paper "money' made to look similar to standard currency were a few of the items that could be earned.  In addition to being the means to learn how to exchange these "monies" for actual items, they were used to familiarize residents with coins and bills denominations and to be able to identify values.

G. Edwin Lint, School Principal and Director of Education, developed a scrip currency in 20 - 10 - 5 - 1 denominations.  Printed on them were the amounts, the words "scrip", "non-negotiable" and "for use only on school grounds".  These "monies" could be used in "stores" in certain cottages such as C-4 where snacks and donated items could be purchased. 

Funding for one program came from the Hospital Improvement Grant.  "Token Economy " was the name for a specific reward program in Earle Hall.  Monies in "Pay for Work" or contract programs for higher functioning individuals were sometimes paid on an actual "payday".  Staff were present to  be sure that lower functioning individuals were not taken advantage of by other residents and did not have their money taken away before they could reach the canteen to spend it.  

(see also - Miscellaneous  - Laurelton Programs and Grants)