NCJ Number
102326
Date Published
1985
Length
36 pages
Annotation
Fifteen participants in a community service program for delinquent youth in Columbus, Ohio, had generally favorable views toward their experience.
Abstract
The youths entered the program conducted by Young Volunteers in Action between July 1983 and June 1984. They were randomly selected for the study and completed semistructured interviews. Eleven of the youths believed that the judge's sole intention in assigning community service was to help them. Only two viewed the judge's goal as punishment. Two-thirds believed that they had appropriately repaid their debt to society. Nine regarded the sentence as lenient. Eleven felt that the sentence had helped them. They all viewed community service as a good sentence, but only for less serious offenders. Twelve youths reported gaining new skills or refining existing ones. Four youths developed strong vocational interests as a result of their experience. Ten youths felt that the community service had aided their chances of obtaining paid employment. The seven youths involved in direct service positions were the most likely to report the acquisition of new skills and to have highly positive evaluation of the experience. However, having a positive experience did not relate significantly to obtaining a job. Two tables and survey instrument.