NCJ Number
111715
Date Published
Unknown
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the need for policies requiring resolution by juvenile courts and agencies for restitution payment and community service fulfillment.
Abstract
Juvenile courts increasingly require juvenile offenders to repay victims and/or perform community work service. However, these courts often defer payment requirements during placements with community agencies and may ignore ordering community work service with a placement-prompting offense. There are a number of placement programs that accept the accountability principle and have designed opportunities for juveniles to earn money to pay restitution or perform community work service while in placement. These programs include: (1) day treatment centers such as New Pride in Denver, Colo., which pays juveniles for training and work; (2) residential settings such as Sonoma County Probation Camp in Healdsburg, Calif., where earning opportunities are created for juveniles ordered to pay restitution; and (3) secure detention facilities which emphasize education and employment. An expansion of these approaches is recommended. Policy issues that require resolution by juvenile courts and placement agencies in order to better effectuate 'restitution carryover' are discussed. These include agency control of job earnings or public subsidy funds, allowing juveniles to make payments from job earnings, and obtaining payments from juveniles whose jobs are in the community and controlled by an employer who makes direct compensation to the youth. 7 references. (Author abstract modified)