NCJ Number
73015
Date Published
1980
Length
26 pages
Annotation
The implementation of a plan for juvenile restitution in South Carolina is described in a paper presented to a symposium focusing on community service and restitution held in 1980.
Abstract
With the 1980 passage of South Carolina Senate Bill 314, the South Carolina State General Assembly took the first step toward implementing a juvenile restitution plan in the State. The legislation mandated that a family court must be established in each county, provided for more oversight of the family court judges of the State, and provided for the staff for intake and probation to be transferred to the State. Finally, the legislation allowed for family court judges to order restitution and clearly specified that the two purposes of the program are to make reparation to the victim and to rehabilitate the child. The restitution program would provide the offender with an opportunity to experience the world of work in a positive and invaluable way. Upon passage of the bill, a task force was created to establish the statewide program. The task force immediately began looking at the Charleston Juvenile Restitution Program and other models across the country, attempting to incorporate the most desirable aspects of each. Problems with actual implementation include the fact that the legislation took effect immediately, thus allowing no lead time for program design, lack of funding specifications from the legislature, and the short training time allowed for staff members. Thus, the State now has enabling legislation with some structural foundation indicated, and the program is moving forward despite handicaps such as lack of time, funds, and staff. An appendix of draft policies and procedures is included.