Judge Rotenberg Center

Judge Rotenberg Educational Center (JREC) is a private school and residential facility in Canton, Massachusetts, United States, known for its use of behavior modification programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, emotional disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. The center has been the subject of controversy and legal action due to its use of the Graduated Electronic Decelerator (GED), a device designed to administer electric shocks as a form of aversive conditioning.

History

The Judge Rotenberg Center was founded in 1971 as the Behavior Research Institute by Dr. Matthew Israel, a proponent of behavioral psychology. The institute was renamed in honor of Judge Ernest Rotenberg, who was instrumental in supporting the center's mission to provide treatment alternatives for children with severe behavioral problems.

Programs and Treatment

JREC offers a range of services including education, vocational training, and residential care. The center's approach is based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), emphasizing positive reinforcement alongside its controversial use of aversive therapies. The GED device, which has been a focal point of criticism, is defended by the center as a last resort to prevent self-harm or aggressive behavior in students for whom other interventions have failed.

Controversy and Legal Issues

The use of electric shock as a behavioral intervention has attracted significant criticism from human rights organizations, disability rights advocates, and medical professionals. Critics argue that such practices are inhumane and can cause psychological trauma. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) attempted to ban the use of the GED device in 2020, citing its risks outweigh the benefits. However, the center successfully challenged the ban in court, arguing that the device is crucial for managing the behavior of its most difficult-to-treat residents.

Accreditation and Oversight

The Judge Rotenberg Center is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and is subject to oversight by various state agencies. Despite the controversies, it continues to operate and receive referrals from across the United States.

Conclusion

The Judge Rotenberg Educational Center remains a polarizing institution in the field of special education and behavioral therapy. While it claims success in treating individuals with severe behavioral challenges, the ethical implications of its methods continue to provoke debate and legal scrutiny.

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  Judge Rotenberg Center

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  B.F. Skinner at Harvard circa 1950

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  William Bronston

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  GED Patent Drawing

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  GED shock on a four-point board

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  Manfred Nowak