Section 200.901. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Community service—A specific number of work or service hours, or a task that a juvenile is ordered by the court to perform, or agrees to perform, as a condition of an informal adjustment, consent decree or probation disposition following an adjudication of delinquency.

(i) Community service is intended to be symbolic reparation for the harm that a juvenile’s actions have caused a specific crime victim or the community, or both, that is integral to a juvenile delinquency case disposition which provides balanced attention to the protection of the community, the imposition of accountability for offenses committed, and the development of competencies to enable the juvenile to become a responsible and productive member of the community.

(ii) Community service enables juveniles to develop valuable skills and positive work habits, and is normally performed in association with a civic or nonprofit organization.

(iii) Whenever possible, community service should provide tangible benefits to the community, the crime victim and the juvenile.