The Behavior Training Program (BTP) is a time-limited short-term behavioral intervention program. Our consumers are adults with behavior problems that place them at risk of losing their residential placements. The BTP is designed to help our consumers replace problem behaviors with new behaviors that will enable them to remain in their communities.

Appropriateness for the BTP is determined on an individual basis through clinical assessment conducted by the BTP team. The BTP serves adults, ages 18 and older, with severe problem behaviors, who may also have one or both of the following:

• Mental retardation
• A pervasive developmental disorder such as autism or PDD NOS

Consumers provide their own transportation to the initial assessment. Consumers with special transportation needs should contact their service coordinators to find out if they are eligible for transportation assistance. Once the consumer is admitted to the program, the BTP provides transportation for all program-related activities.

Fees for BTP services are generally paid through State General Revenue funds. The consumer will bear additional costs for personal expenses (purchasing non-essential personal items, entrance fees at special outings, etc.) and may bear additional non-program costs, such as for medical visits. If the consumer receives SSI, the program must receive room and board payments from the SSI stipend.

The BTP is designed to help consumers remain in their communities. Our focus is on behavioral intervention and learning new behaviors that are more suited to success in everyday life. In some cases, a consumer may be experiencing an active mental illness in addition to mental retardation or pervasive developmental disorder. Depending on the severity of their illness, some consumers require intensive psychiatric intervention before entering the BTP. For others, the BTP may not be appropriate, in which case the consumer and /or family will be directed to more suitable options.