The Lowenstein Communities have successfully treated many maladjusted children despite contentions that such offenders should be placed in maximum security facilities. Their approach requires complete cooperation among social workers, the school, the psychologist, and the center staff. The social worker's major role is to return the child to school, regardless of the number of truancies. To implement this policy, social workers must be accessible to the child and the school through regular visits and respond rapidly to any problems. Many schools for maladjusted children will not accept the most serious cases, such as pyromaniacs, violent offenders, and habitual liars or thieves. Basic requirements for open treatment centers where these children are admitted include a dedicated staff, strong security measures for individuals who cannot cope with freedom, and a good educational program. Suggestions for handling truants emphasize individualized education based on a complete diagnosis of the child's abilities and academic achievement and establishing a close personal relationship between an adult and the child. Therapeutic approaches should consist of individual therapy and group discussions led by a therapist. Security measures should be maintained to help the truants. Rules of the Lowenstein Communities prohibit aggressive behavior, stealing, lying, damaging property, and leaving any area without permission. Enforcement methods include daily token rewards and negative sanctions. Staff should anticipate a child's intent to leave the center and try to prevent the attempt. Individual factors in a case should be considered when punishing trangressions of a habitual offender or truant. The Lowenstein Communities encourage finding an alternative outlet rather than suppressing the need to commit a deviant act.