The Closed Adolescent Treatment Center (CATC) takes juveniles under 18 years-old who have committed a violent crime. Almost all clients come from an adult transfer hearing. The program has learned from experience that juveniles should not be protected from confronting the consequences of their behavior. Although clients come from emotionally deprived environments where they were physically and emotionally abused, the staff and peers work at not letting residents use their background as an excuse for their violent behavior. Refusal to accept responsibility for actions is not permitted by staff or the peer group. The program is highly structured, with residents required to perform responsibilities for the care of others. Emphases include self-discipline, the development of a positive self-image based on behavioral achievements, and conforming to behavioral limits set by CATC. Rational and consistent punishment for breaking behavioral rules is applied. The recidivism rate for CATC clients for 1975-77 averages 34.1 percent.