1. The Transition Day Reporting Center
INCENTIVE PROGRAM &
STRATEGIES

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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.

9. QUESTIONS?