Graduated Incentives - Building Unlimited Opportunities for Youth (BUOY)

About the Program

The Juvenile Court Service Unit uses graduated incentives to reduce juvenile delinquency and encourage continued progress. The Building Unlimited Opportunities for Youth (BUOY) program recognizes positive behaviors via tangible incentives and rewards.

In addition, the program seeks to provide new opportunities and positive pro-social experiences for at-risk and delinquent youth, while encouraging and teaching appropriate public behaviors and life skills.

Objectives

Graduated Incentives and the BUOY Program objectives include:

  • Increased positive behavior through rewards, recognition and new experiences
  • Enhance self-esteem through praise, motivation and encouragement
  • Encourage appropriate social, communication and leadership skills
  • Establish / encourage rapport and communication between juveniles and authority figures
  • Teach appropriate public behaviors and leisure skills to replace negative behaviors
  • Reduce the frequency and severity of future offenses

Target Population

The target population is youth between ages of 12 and 17 who fall into at least one of the following categories:

  • Juveniles on supervised probation
  • Youths in the Diversion Program
  • Youth placed at the Loudoun Youth Shelter
  • Supervised Release Program youth
  • Parole and aftercare youth

Incentives

Incentives for behavior based rewards, should be based on any or several of the following:

  • Thirty days early completion of all court ordered requirements
  • Thirty days early completion of community service
  • Two months of good behavior with no violations
  • Improved grades
  • Obtaining and maintaining gainful employment
  • Maintaining a pattern of clean drug screens
  • Improved family participation
  • Involvement in approved extracurricular activities

There are many different incentives and activities available as rewards. Examples include:

  • Bowling
  • Museum or sporting event
  • Rock wall climbing
  • Skating rink
  • Theatre or movie
  • Extended curfew

More Information

For more information, contact the Juvenile Court Service Unit at 703-777-0303.