Realizing the potential of community reparation for young offenders

Community reparation for young offenders involves unpaid work such as painting and decorating, graffiti removal, and shrub clearance. Often described as the ‘juvenile version’ of adult community service, it is a major part of the youth justice system in England and Wales. This chapter begins by defining the notion of ‘reparation’, before examining the development and rehabilitative potential of unpaid work. It then considers the research evidence base for community reparation, demonstrating the importance of ‘meaningful’ work placements which facilitate employability skills. Identifying a comprehensive model for the effective delivery of community reparation, this chapter concludes that more attention should be paid to the rehabilitative potential of unpaid work.