Accountability through Systematic Record‐Keeping in a Residential Setting

Abstract

In 1981, the New Zealand Department of Education and SUPPORT jointly opened Glenburn Centre, which operates residential, school and home programs for assisting families whose young children present severe behaviour problems at home and at school. Time‐out is the most restrictive procedure employed at Glenburn and its use is limited to certain classes of severely disruptive behaviour under specific conditions. As the “bottom line” procedure, for ethical reasons its use is carefully monitored and systematically recorded. Examination of Time‐out data cumulated over two and a half years 1) has showed positive effects coincidental with major changes in program development; 2) unusual shifts in data have pointed to the need for extra attention to staff training at particular times; and 3) the data have proved useful in providing feedback to staff and in evaluating program development. The data demonstrate the value for institutional management and ethical accountability of keeping systematic records of an institution's use of its “bottom line” procedure.