Benton County Initiates New Youth Community Service/Work Crew Policy

In 2006, over 250 young people were ordered to complete community service or work crew.

Benton County Courthouse Photo: Tim King

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - The Benton County Juvenile Department is initiating a new policy to reduce “no-shows” for youths court ordered to community service or work crews.

In 2006, over 250 young people were ordered to complete community service or work crew.

The new policy will add an additional day of community service or work crew for the first offense, a second offense the person will be sent to the Linn-Benton Detention Center.

The Benton County Juvenile Department manages community service and work crew projects for local non-profit and public service organizations such as the Majestic Theater, Boys and Girls Club and Benton County’s Natural Areas and Parks, Public Works Road Maintenance and Fairgrounds.

“There is value to the work and the quality of work these young people provide to the community. When we have “no shows”, we are not able to meet our commitment to our community partners. These young offenders are required to make restitution to the community for their offense(s) and ensuring they meet this expectation is the basis for this new policy,” said Jon Hancock, Benton County Juvenile Department Community Service Work Crew Coordinator.