Community service is productive work performed by juvenile offenders that benefits communities, such as equipment repairs in parks, winterizing homes for the elderly, and other upkeep, repair, and maintenance projects. Often, community service projects enhance conditions for the less fortunate in communities.
Restorative community service provides an opportunity for the juvenile offender to make amends to the community in a way that is valued by the community. When the community work service experience allows youth to create new, positive relationships with members of the community, the fabric of the community is strengthened. The process also works to increase the juvenile offender’s investment in the community. Successful community work service helps to change the juvenile offender’s negative view of the community to a positive one.