NCJ Number
115704
Journal
Youth Policy Volume: 10 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 33
Date Published
1988
Length
1 page
Annotation
Structured work crew programs are conducted year-round, but are a more extensive program than summer conservation crew or litter patrol programs.
Abstract
Targeted youth are generally males and females between 12 and 18 years old who have committed a law violation and are required to perform unpaid community work, and who have specific time-limited goals to meet. The program supervisor performs a range of duties, including: (1) facilitating planned leisure events; (2) leading group meetings; (3) serving as a case manager for the individual youths involved; (4) establishing communication and participation with family members; (5) coordinating with referral and community resource staff; (6) developing curriculum-based work events; and (7) recruiting and training adult volunteers to assist on work sites. The structured work crew program benefits the youth through repaid restitution, "mainstreaming," and increased skill and competency levels. The community benefits through the level and type of work performed and its equivalent dollar value saved as well as broadened community support for its youth.