The Transition Day Reporting Center INCENTIVE PROGRAM & STRATEGIES

DEFINITION OF INCENTIVE The definition of an incentive is something that encourages someone to do something outside their comfort zone or work harder. An example of incentive is a bonus offered to employees who work extra hours on a project. Inducement or supplemental reward that serves as a motivational device for a desired action or behavior.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INCENTIVES? An incentive program should be designed to emphasize & encourage individual strengths, positive change, and personal accountability. Best practices recommendations include providing incentives/rewards for making progress and achieving goals. Incentives should generally outnumber sanctions by a ratio of 4:1 and include both tangible & intangible rewards. Incentives are important motivators. Everyone likes to be acknowledged for their efforts; incentives/rewards provide an opportunity to do so. The key is finding rewards that are of interest to the potential recipient. It is important that rewards are geared toward the specific individual in order to shape behavior.

WHY USE INCENTIVES TO SHAPE BEHAVIOR? Behavior is the result of learning. Incentives are effective ways of helping individuals change their behavior. A change in thinking can change behavior. A change in behavior can change thinking. Rewards which are individualized to meet the specific needs, desires, and goals of each person will have a greater impact and support the desired behavior. To motivate individuals, programs must create a noncompetitive, caring environment in which people feel valued, respected, and acknowledged. The use of incentives should always be focused on the goal of producing long-term change in behavior. Incentives are beneficial because they can compete with the instant gratification and potent reinforcement of criminal behavior.

CORE PRINCIPLES OF REWARDING POSITIVE BEHAVIOR Provide rewards for key positive behaviors Rewards should be delivered swiftly and certainly Individuals should be able to choose rewards that are meaningful to them Allow rewards to be delivered more frequently in the beginning Use a mix of material (tangible) and social (intangible) rewards Escalating schedules and bonus points can be used to reward continuous periods of abstinence

THE TDRC INCENTIVE PROGRAM Participant accomplishments are recognized and celebrated throughout the program, including completion of program components and case plan goals. A variety of incentives and rewards are offered. Points are earned for each activity at the TDRC The higher the phase the participant is on, the more points they earn What are some items participants can get? Gift cards Hygiene items Backpacks Watches Hair Clippers Headphones Wallets Travel Mugs Razor Scooter Laptop / Tablet

HOW TO EARN POINTS Incentives are given to participants following the “points earned” chart. Points MUST be earned in advance of redeeming rewards.

INCENTIVE PYRAMID Incentive Pyramid: Incentives that participants may earn with points include (but are not limited to) gift cards, backpacks, clippers, watches, wallets, and phones.

QUESTIONS?