NCJ Number
73004
Date Published
1980
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Minnesota's Alternative Community Service Restitution program was developed by an Arrowhead regional corrections task force and Alternative Behaviors Associates to provide more services and alternatives for female offenders.
Abstract
The project aims to provide an alternative to the usual sentence of a fine, probation, or incarceration for adult female offenders whose offense and social histories do not represent a danger to themselves or the community. The program is used to reduce or eliminate standard disposition by allowing female offenders to pay monetary restitution as a condition of probation, or to convert outstanding financial obligations by using an established formula of $5 an hour for hours worked in nonprofit, community agencies. The program is also designed to reduce processing expenses through pretrial or diversion agreements. Clients are referred to the program by diversion, pretrial intervention, county court, and district court. Clients that require supervision are seen at least once a week by the restitution coordinator. Visits might include counseling support services. Heavy emphasis is placed on educational, job training, and other supportive services to needy clients. The clients' hours in supportive services do not count as part of the ordered community service restitution hours. All clients are provided with an individual program and are expected to complete assigned hours or termination will occur.