AbstractA unit wide behavioral programming system for high functioning mentally retarded clients who displayed maladaptive behavioral excesses was developed and implemented on a coeducational institutional living unit for 7 months. Significant clinical reductions were achieved in client injuries, broken windows, emergency restraint usage, the percent of clients receiving psychotropic medications and medication dosages. These reductions continued during the program's maintenance phase. A number of factors are discussed that appear to have contributed to the program's success.