In juvenile residential treatment centers such factors as inflexibility, lack of knowledge of a group's culture, disparity and inconsistency in discipline, and a relaxed attitude by the staff toward appropriate conforming behavior in the center can inhibit the rehabilitation of residents. One approach that can help counter these negative influences is familiarization of staff with value orientations and behavior patterns of residents' subculture (generally the subcultural system of lower-class adolescents). Further, the residents must be taught to assume responsibility for their destinies through goal setting and the development of the skills and knowledge required to achieve their goals. Group therapy should be oriented toward peer contributions and influence rather than staff leadership, and the staff, in interacting with residents, must be careful not to adopt the residents' own styles of intimidation to gain behavioral conformity. The staff should provide a role model of self-control. Also, rules and policy should be in writing, including a written schedule of daily activities and written consequences for nonconforming behavior. Discipline should be administered immediately and consistently for all nonconforming behavior must be concrete, especially when treating hardcore delinquents. Efforts should be undertaken to maintain staff morale, since this affects residents. Nine references are listed.