What is Community Service?

Community service is a form of alternative sentencing. The offender is ordered by a court or probation officer to perform service as part of a sanction. OAR supervises juveniles and adults in their community service work. A community service case manager interviews each client and determines the most appropriate work site. Through community service, offenders are offered the chance to “give back” to the community by providing a service that enriches the lives of others.

Why Community Service?

By providing valuable services to the community offenders are invited to take responsibility for past actions and repair the damage done by making right out of wrong. Community service intentionally involves the three stakeholders in restorative justice: victim, offender and community.

What are the Benefits?

Offenders are offered community service instead of detention or jail. They have the opportunity to reach out to others in need and contribute their time and effort to community agencies. By providing services, offenders demonstrate that they care about their neighbors and neighborhoods.

What is Restorative Justice?

Restorative justice is the concept that any crime, regardless of size or severity, hurts the community. Instead of merely paying a fine or spending time in jail, the offender is able to repair some of the damage done by participating in community service. The work assignments also promote volunteerism and give both community organizations and workers a chance to benefit from the experience.