NCJ Number
91411
Date Published
1982
Length
0 pages
Annotation
One presentation provides guidelines for the development of community service orders for juveniles based on the experience of Oklahoma County, Okla., and another speaker describes the process used in Maryland whereby youth participate in the selection of and the development of their community service work.
Abstract
In Oklahoma County, community service is viewed as symbolic restitution, as youth perform unpaid labor that makes a positive contribution to the community. Such orders are used when the offense did not cause monetary loss or if the victim shows no interest in monetary restitution. The challenge is to find a service for each participant that is a meaningful learning experience. Guidelines that might be developed for community service programs include (1) a procedure for determining the number of hours assigned, (2) the length of time set for completion of the work, (3) the nature of the supervision, (4) who is responsible for transportation, (5) confidentiality, (6) liability should the youth suffer an accident while performing the work, and (7) the consequences of noncompliance. In Maryland, the community service process focuses on involving juveniles in determining the kind of service they will perform. This involves questioning them about their interests and skills as well as what they perceive as community problems. After youths select projects, either to be performed by a group of them or as an individual, the youth are guided through attacks on the various problems that must be confronted in performing the work. Where direct service for the victim is involved, the victim and offender are brought together to mediate an agreement. It is important that the mediator prevent such a session from becoming judgmental or degenerating into hostile exchanges. Workshop questions and answers are provided on the tape.