Define restitution and describe the different ways to make restitution.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Restitution requires a juvenile to reimburse the victim of the crime, either through money or community service. Restitution became popular in the late 20th century, and it is now an option in most states. Restitution can be ordered by the juvenile court in three ways: Community service, the most popular way, involves improving or repairing a site, such as cleaning up an area, removing graffiti, or washing cars. This is easy and economical to administer. Direct service involves working directly with the victim, which is used least frequently, because juveniles generally do not want to interact with their victims. Last, straight financial restitution involves paying the victim a sum of money, covering the damage caused by the crime. For instance, if a mailbox or a car was damaged, the juvenile would pay for repairs or a replacement. Probation officers may be responsible for deciding the appropriate amount and determining how an offender can pay for the damage. They also handle much of the scheduling and implementation of the restitution and make sure the juvenile completes restitution. The juvenile may have to take a job to earn the money, which could be at a nonprofit company or government agency, such as a nursing home, shelter, youth agency, or park.