Youth Services Center introduces earn-based behavior-management model; director flags possible supplemental funding

Brad Alexander, Director of the Lancaster County Youth Services Center, briefed the Board on staffing, budget projections and a newly launched behavior-management program designed to increase youth engagement and reduce staff-youth conflict.

Alexander said the Center has 39 employees with one vacancy, has seen revenues rebound and may exceed budgeted revenue targets by the end of the fiscal year, and expects total admissions to be around 254. He cautioned that mid-year projections suggested a possible need for supplemental funding tied to union contract costs; updated April figures were still pending.

Alexander introduced Nate Walenta, Youth Services Center team leader, who described the new model (Exhibit 1). Walenta said the system shifts from a loss-based model to an earn-based approach: youths begin each shift with zero points and can earn up to five points per shift based on clearly defined behavioral criteria. The program includes an Earn Back Credit mechanism that allows youths to regain up to three points per week to avoid long-term penalties and to encourage recovery from setbacks.

Officials said the model aims to create consistent application across staff, increase youth motivation through daily achievable goals, reduce power struggles, and produce measurable tracking of phase progression to evaluate longer-term effects. The Board offered appreciation; no formal action was taken during the meeting.