Community Service Program

The Community Service Program began during the same time as the Restitution Program. This program has been accepted and supported by a variety of nonprofit organizations in and around Lake County. These organizations have expressed positive results from this program. Juveniles ordered to perform community service are not confined to render their service within the bounds of Lake County, but may also complete their service at any nonprofit organization. Community Service is an alternative to incarceration for juveniles who have committed less serious offenses. It is a process by which juveniles are required to make amends to the community, and be held accountable for the offense which they have committed.

Juveniles who are ordered by the Court to participate in this program are given a list of suggested sites where they can perform their community service. It is the responsibility of the juveniles, with the help of parents, to initiate contact with a particular site and arrange the logistics such as time, day, and transportation to and from the site. The juveniles are required to work without pay for a prescribed number of hours within a designated time frame. They must report on time for their community service and are expected to put in an honest day’s work. In many instances, by demonstrating good work ethics and positive qualities during the community service program, the juveniles are able to secure permanent jobs with the organization they are providing service.