This paper examines the effect of two types of prompts in eliciting a zero-or low-probability behavior in three Chicano gang members. The target behavior consisted of a chain of responses terminating in the publication of writing and art work in a community newsletter. A general prompt was ineffective, but subject-specific prompts elicited a total of 38 pages of work. The relevance of this study for behavior therapy with similar subjects is discussed. The advantages and special problems of research in the natural environment are discussed, with attention to setting events, which were monitored and used to explain some unexpected findings.

This department is devoted to shorter reports on research in the communications field. Readers are invited to submit summaries o f investigative studies interesting for content, m e t h o d or implications for f u r t h e r research.

This paper examines the use of a behavioral-ecological model to diagnose and prescribe interventions for a community problem. The paper is presented as a case study of a community-based organization that used the model in the treatment and prevention of Chicano gang delinquency. Other purposes of this work included a replication and extension of similar work performed in a different environment and with different subjects as well as a test of the generality of behavioral methods to the treatment and prevention of Chicano gang delinquency. In general, all three purposes were accomplished. Some unanticipated outcomes and future directions are discussed.Although gang delinquency as a social problem has been extensively studied and the focus of a number of intervention efforts, the use of a behavioral-ecological model to diagnose and prescribe interventions appropriate to this problem has not often been reported. Moreover, little work of any kind has been reported on natural environment interventions tested specifically with Chicano gang delinquents. In view of the successful application of behavior modication to many delinquent behaviors (Braukmann,

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Faced with reductions in public funds and calls for greater accountability, substance abuse programs can possibly increase revenues through patient fees by increasing referrals from the criminal justice system. Accountability can be improved through the use of organizational behavior management techniques. This study demonstrates the utility of behavioral techniques to increase referrals and revenue in an outpatient drug abuse program. The rate of criminal justice referrals increased substantially when counselors were offered "commissions" based on patient fees. These results are discussed with respect to the practicality of behavioral techniques in the management of drug abuse programs and with regard to policy implications.